FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


//g/3 


DMska 
Seeded 


*  DEC  23  1931 

The  Covenanters 

IN 

AMERICA: 

THE  VOICE  OF  THEIR  TESTIMONY 

ON 

PRESENT  MORAL  ISSUES. 
REASONS 

FOR  THE 

HOPE    AND     WORK 

OF  THE 

Reformed  Presbyterian  Church. 

BY 

Rev.  J.    C.    M'FEETERS, 

Pastor,    Second    R.    P.    Church,    Philadelphia. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

Press  of  Spanglkr  &  Davis. 

1892. 


Copyright,  1892, 

BY 

J.  C.  McFeeters. 


Walk  about  Zion,  and  go  round  about  her : 
Tell  the  towers  thereof. 
Mark  ye  well  her  bulwarks; 
Consider  her  palaces ; 

That  ye  may  tell  it  to  the  generation  follow- 
ing. 

For  this  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever : 
He  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death. — 
Psalm  xlviii:  12-14.     R.  V. 

11  Religion  is  the  whole  Bible :  sects  pick  out 
a  part  of  it.  But  what  whole  ?  The  living 
whole,  to  be  sure — not  the  dead  whole :  the 
spirit  ;  not  the  letter." 


I  venerate  the  man  whose  heart  is  warm, 
whose  hands  are  pure,  whose  doctrine  and 
whose  life  coincident,  exhibit  lucid  proof  that 
he  is  honest  in  the  Sacred  Cause. — Cowper. 


PREFACE. 


The  design  of  these  pages  is  to  give  in  brief 
manner  a  clear  view  of  the  Covenanter  Church, 
a  panorama,  as  it  were,  of  her  character,  prin- 
ciples and  work. 

The  principles  that  distinguish  her  as  a 
denomination,  taken  from  her  authoritative 
standards,  are  spread  upon  the  first  pages ;  a 
prominent  doctrine  on  one  page,  and  its  Scrip- 
tural proof  on  the  opposite,  "  as  in  water,  face 
answereth  to  face."  Farther  along  in  the  vol- 
ume these  distinctive  truths  are  illustrated  by 
arguments. 

We  have  endeavored  to  set  forth  our  beloved 
Zion  as  a  Church  complete  in  her  organization, 
in  her  system  of  faith,  and  in  her  efficiency  for 
work,  engaged,  as  she  is,  in  multiplied  labors  for 
God  and  the  world. 

Her    distinctive    truths    and   practices   are 

(5) 


6  PREFACE. 

more  conspicuous  (perhaps  not  more  import- 
ant) than  those  she  has  in  common  with  other 
Churches ;  hence  the  Public,  attracted  by  the 
prominence  of  these,  often  loses  sight  of  other 
doctrines  and  duties  which  are  just  as  essential 
and  as  real  in  the  life  and  character  of  this 
Church.  Thus  criticised,  the  Covenanter 
Church  has  been  regarded  by  many  as  notable 
for  sharp  angles  and  irregular  proportions. 
Xo  greater  misconception  could  enter  any 
mind.  For  this  reason,  we  have  not  herein 
presented  the  distinguishing  features  alone, 
but  have  endeavored  to  give  a  view  of 
the  Church  of  the  Covenants,  as  she,  clothed 
upon  with  the  whole  truth,  and  strongly  girded 
with  most  solemn  bonds  for  action,  is  at  work 
in  many  of  the  fields  of  Christian  effort.  She 
is  building  up  congregations  through  the  ser- 
vices of  an  educated  ministry,  conducting  a 
prosperous  School  of  Divinity,  operating  a 
growing  College,  occupying  the  field  of  Na- 
tional Reform,  laboring  in  Mission  fields  at 
home  and  abroad,  besides  giving  to  the  cause  of 


PREFACE.  i 

temperance,  the  Christian  Sabbath,  and  educa- 
tion, men  and  women  who  serve  with  devo- 
tion. 

This  volume  has  been  prepared  for  the  ben- 
efit of  our  children,  that  when  they  ask, 
'•  Why  are  Ave  Covenanters?"  we  can  place  in 
their  hands  the  reasons  collected  and  arranged 
for  a  quick  and  clear  understanding. 

It  has  been  prepared  for  church  applicants, 
that  when  they  are  comparing  the  churches, 
with  the  view  of  selecting  a  church  home,  they 
may  be  assisted  in  making  their  decision  with 
intelligence  concerning  the  Covenanter  Church. 

It  is  intended  also  for  any  honest  inquirer, 
searching  after  the  truth ;  and  we  cherish  the 
hope  that  it  ma}',  at  least,  reflect  some  of  the 
light  of  "  a  city  set  on  a  hill,"  to  shine  upon 
the  earnest  seeker. 

AVe  will  not  conceal  the  fact,  that  it  contains 
also  a  little  of  the  feeling  of  fortitude.  It  is 
our  earnest  desire  to  have  the  great  doctrines 
that  are  the  pillars  both  of  Religion  and 
Reformation,  become  more  conspicuous  in  the 


8  PREFACE. 

sight  of  the  world,  and  better  understood  by 
society.  We  desire  to  see  this  household  of 
faith  "  hold  fast  and  hold  forth  "  the  complete 
system  of  Scriptural  Doctrine  as  they  under- 
stand it ;  this  company  of  believers  imbued 
and  aflame  with  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Christ  ; 
this  band  of  soldiers  still  more  strongly  in- 
trenched in  the  perpetual  covenants;  these 
volunteers  of  the  cross  still  moving  forward 
with  unwavering  ranks,  under  the  banner 
inscribed  with  "  Christ's  Royal  Prerogatives," 
being  assured  of  ultimate  success. 

We  have  attempted  in  these  pages  no  defence 
of  the  Covenanter  Church.  AVe  have  tried, 
instead,  to  give  a  clear  and  concise  presenta- 
tion of  her  character,  position  and  work. 
Neither  she  nor  her  principles  need  defence. 


The  Covenanter  Church  seeks  not  the  con- 
cealment of  her  contested  truths,  and  offers  no 
apology  for  maintaining  them.  Apologies  for 
defects  in  her  life  and  work  may  be  justly  and 


PREFACE.  9 

frequently  due;  but  none  for  her  faith  or  her 
Covenants. 

We  thankfully  acknowledge  the  assistance 
kindly  and  abundantly  given  by  a  number  of 
ministers.  They  have  written  largely  on  some 
of  the  subjects  herein  discussed,  and  from 
their  manuscripts  we  have  freely  drawn,  giv- 
ing the  spirit  and  often  the  phraseology,  so 
that  the  identity  of  the  writers  frequently 
appears. 

With  these  few  pages  we  have  mingled  our 
prayers,  asking  the  loving  Master  that  His  will 
alone  be  done,  and  His  name  alone  be  glori- 
fied, in  this  frail  effort.  Conscious  of  its 
defects,  we  humbly  offer  the  little  volume  to 
Him  and  to  his  Covenant  people.  If  the 
perusal  of  it  shall  add  in  the  least  measure  to 
the  joy,  the  hope  and  the  fortitude  of  any 
heart,  if  it  shall  cast  one  more  gleam  of  light 
upon  the  unfurled  banner  of  Christ's  Cove- 
nant, causing  its  motto  to  be  more  clearly  read 
by  the  world,  if  it  shall  become  one  slender 
thread   in   the    strong   cable    of    divine    and 


10  PREFACE. 

human  appliances,  by  which  our  Lord  and 
King  holds  his  Covenanted  Church  to  the 
attainments  of  the  Second  Reformation,  and  to 
the  principles  that  shall  eventually  give  the 
world  the  Millennium,  we  shall  not  feel  our 
labor  to  have  been  in  vain,  nor  our  reward 
small. 

J.  C.  M'Feeters. 

Philadelphia,  February  12,  1892. 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 


THE  VOICE  OF  THE  COVENANTEE  CHUKCH. 

Page. 

The  Covenanters  and  Their  Terms  of 
Communion,        16 

The  Covenanters  and  the  Voice  of 
their  Testimony  on  Pkesent  Moral 
Issues,       20 


PART  II. 

A  VIEW  OF  THE  COVENANTEE  CHUECH. 

Chapter  I. 

The  Covenanters  in  History,      ...       47 

Chapter  II. 
The  Covenanters  in  America,      ...       57 

Chapter  III. 
The  Covenanters  and  Their   System 
of  Faith, 67 

(ii) 


12  CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Chapter  IV. 
The  Covenanters  and  Christ's  Royal 
Authority, 77 

Chapter  V. 
The  Covenanters  and  Public   Social 
Covenanting, 85 

Chapter  VI. 
The  Covenanters  and  the  Perpetual 
Obligation  of  Covenants,    ....      93 

Chapter  VII. 
The  American  Covenant, 101 

Chapter  VIII. 
The     Covenanters     and     Testimony- 
Bearing,  Ill 

Chapter  IX. 
The  Covenanters  and  Political  Dis- 
sent,      121 


CONTENTS.  13 

Page. 

Chapter  X. 

The  Covenanters  and  Divine  Psalm- 
ody,       131 

Chapter  XI. 
The  Covenanters  and  Secret  Orders,    139 

Chapter  XII. 
The  Covenanters  and  Temperance,   .     147 

Chapter  XIII. 
The  Covenanters  and  Church  Union,    155 

Chapter  XIV. 

The  Covenanters  and  the  Christian 
Sabbath, 163 

Chapter  XV. 

The  Covenanters  and   National   Re- 
form,     175 


14  CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Chapter  XVI. 

The    Covenantees    and    Gospel    Mis- 
sions,     183 

Chapter  XVII. 

The    Covenanters    and    Evangelistic 
Work,       191 

Chapter  XVIII. 

The     Covenanters     and     Systematic 
Beneficence, 197 

Chapter  XIX. 

The  Covenanters   and   their    Educa- 
tional Institutions, 209 

Chapter    XX. 

The    Covenanters  and  their  Organ- 
ized Strength, 215 

Chapter  XXI. 
The  Call  of  Duty, 223 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA.  15 

Part  I. 

THE    VOICE    OF    THE    COVENANTER 
CHURCH. 

"Love  thyself  last;  cherish  those  hearts  that 
hate  thee : 

Corruption  wins  not  more  than  honesty. 

Still  in  thy  right  hand  carry  gentle  peace, 

To  silence  envious  tongues.  Be  just,  and 
fear  not. 

Let  all  the  ends  thou  aim'st  at  be 

Thy  God's  and  Truth's;  then,  when  thou 
fall'st, 

Thou  fall'st  a  blessed  martyr." 


We  are  tied  by  Covenants  to  religion  and 
reformation.  Those  that  were  then  unborn 
are  yet  engaged ;  and  it  passeth  the  power  of 
all  the  magistrates  under  Heaven  to  absolve 
from  the  oath  of  God. — Argyle. 


Behold,  I  come  quickly  ;  hold  that  fast  which 
thou  hast,  that  no  man  take  thy  crown. 

Revelation  hi  :  11. 


16  THE   COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND  THEIR 
TERMS  OF  COMMUNION. 

The  end  of  church-fellowship  is  to  exhibit  a 
system  of  sound  principles,  to  maintain  the 
ordinances  of  Gospel  worship  in  their  purity, 
to  promote  holiness,  and  to  prepare  the  saints 
for  Heaven. 

The  Christian  Church,  as  a  society  of  rational 
beings,  must  have  explicit  terms  of  communion, 
to  which  every  member  gives  his  assent.  It  is 
not  to  be  expected  that  all  men  shall  think 
alike  about  every  object  of  thought ;  but  Chris- 
tians cannot  co-operate,  unless  they  are  of  one 
mind,  about  the  general  principles  of  Chris- 
tianity. Terms  of  Christian  communion  should 
embrace  nothing  but  what  is  Divine  truth,  and 
reject  nothing  for  which  the  Church  hath 
faithfully  contended.  —  Reformed  Presby- 
terian Testimony. 

And  as  they  went  through  the  cities,  they 
delivered  them  the  decrees  for  to  keep,  that 
were  ordained  of  the  apostles  and  elders,  which 
were  at  Jerusalem. — The  Acts  xvi  :  4. 

Nevertheless,  whereto  we  have  already  at- 
tained, let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule,  let  us 
mind  the  same  thing. — Philippians  hi  :  16. 


Terms  of  Ecclesiastical  Communion 

IK   THE 

Reformed  Presbyterian  Church 

IN 

North  America. 


1.  An  acknowledgment  of  the  Scriptures  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  Word  of 
God,  and  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  manners. 

2.  An  acknowledgment  that  the  whole  doc- 
trine of  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith, 
and  the  Catechisms,  Larger  and  Shorter,  are 
agreeable  unto,  and  founded  upon,  the  Scrip- 
tures. 

3.  An  acknowledgment  of  the  Divine  right 
of  one  unalterable  form  of  Church  Govern- 
ment and  manner  of  worship ;  and  that  these 
are,  for  substance,  justly  exhibited  in  that  form 
of  Church  Government,  and  Directory  for  "Wor- 
ship agreed  upon  by  the  assembly  of  divines 
at  Westminster,  as  they  were  received  by  the 
Church  of  Scotland. 

(IT) 


18  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

4.  An  acknowledgment  of  public  covenant- 
ing as  an  ordinance  of  God  to  be  observed  by 
churches  and  nations;  and  of  the  perpetual 
obligation  of  public  covenants;  and  of  the 
obligation  upon  this  Church  of  the  Covenant 
entered  into  in  1871,  in  which  are  embodied 
the  engagements  of  the  National  Covenant  of 
Scotland,  and  of  the  Solemn  League  and  Cov- 
enant, so  far  as  applicable  in  this  land. 

5.  An  approbation  of  the  faithful  contend- 
ings  of  the  martyrs  of  Jesus,  and  of  the  present 
Reformed  Covenanted  Churches  in  Britain 
and  Ireland,  against  Paganism,  Popery,  and 
Prelacy,  and  against  immoral  constitutions  of 
civil  government,  together  with  all  Erastian 
tolerations  and  persecutions  which  flow  there- 
from, as  containing  a  noble  example  for  us  and 
our  posterity  to  follow  in  contending  for  all 
divine  truth,  and  in  testifying  against  all  con- 
trary evils  which  may  exist  in  the  corrupt  con- 
stitutions of  either  Church  or  State. 

6.  An   approbation    of    the   doctrines   con- 
tained in  the  Declaration  and  Testimony  of 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA.  19 

the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  North 
America,  in  defence  of  truth,  and  in  opposition 
to  error. 

These,  together  with  due  subordination  in 
the  Lord,  to  the  authority  of  the  Synod  of 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  North 
America,  and  a  regular  life  and  conversation, 
form  the  bonds  of  our  ecclesiastical  union. 


20  THE   COVENANTERS   AND    THE 

The  Voice  of  the  Testimony  of 
the  Covenanters  on  Pres- 
ent Moral  Issues. 


THE  SYSTEM  OF  FAITH. 

After  careful  examination,  having  embraced 
the  system  of  faith,  order  and  worship  revealed 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  summarized,  as  to 
doctrine,  in  the  Westminster  Confession  and 
Catechisms,  and  Reformed  Presbyterian  Testi- 
mony, and,  as  to  order  and  worship,  justly  set 
forth  in  substance  and  outline  in  the  Westmin- 
ster Form  of  Church  Government  and  Direc- 
tory for  Worship,  we  do  publicly  profess  and 
own  this  as  the  true  Christian  Faith  and  Re- 
ligion, and  the  system  of  order  and  worship 
appointed  by  Christ  for  his  own  House,  and, 
by  the  grace  of  God,  we  will  sincerely  and  con- 
stantly endeavor  to  understand  it  more  fully, 
to  hold  and  observe  it  in  its  integrity,  and  to 
transmit  the  knowledge  of  the  same  to  pos- 
terity.— Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  21 

There  be  some  that  trouble  you,  and  would 
pervert  the  gospel  of  Christ.  But  though  we, 
or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preach  any  other 
gospel  unto  you  than  that  which  we  have 
preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accursed.  As 
we  said  before,  so  say  I  now  again,  if  any  man 
preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that  ye 
have  received,  let  him  be  accursed. — Gala- 
tiaxs  i :  7-9. 

Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that 
is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ.  Xow  if  any  man 
build  upon  this  foundation  gold,  silver,  pre- 
cious stones,  wood,  hay,  stubble ;  every  man's 
work  shall  be  made  manifest ;  for  the  day  shall 
declare  it,  because  it  shall  be  revealed  by  fire ; 
and  the  fire  shall  try  every  man's  work  of  what 
sort  it  is. — I  Corinthians  hi  :  11-13. 

Whosoever  therefore  shall  break  one  of  these 
least  commandments,  and  shall  teach  men  so, 
he  shall  be  called  the  least  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven:  But  whosoever  shall  do  and  teach 
them,  the  same  shall  be  called  great  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. — Matthew  v  :  19. 


22  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 


CHRIST'S  ROYAL  AUTHORITY. 

The  Mediator,  having  voluntarily  humbled 
Himself  in  human  nature,  for  our  redemption, 
is  appointed  to  the  highest  power  and  glory ; 
and  in  his  exalted  state  He  rules  in  and  over 
all  his  children,  as  their  living  Head  and  Law- 
giver, and  governs  all  creatures  and  all  their 
actions  for  his  own  glory  and  our  salvation, 
as  "  Head  over  all  things  to  the  Church,  which 
is  His  body." 

Submission  is  due  to  the  Mediatory  author- 
ity, from  all  the  intelligent  creatures  of  God. 
Men,  not  only  as  saints  and  church  members, 
but  also  in  every  possible  relation  and  condi- 
tion, are  under  obligation  to  subserve  his  gra- 
cious purposes  according  to  his  law.  The 
holy  angels  minister,  under  his  directions,  to 
the  heirs  of  salvation. — Reformed  Presbyter- 
ian Testimony. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR     TESTIMONY.  23 

He  humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient 
unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 
Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him, 
and  given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every 
name :  that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee 
should  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and  things 
in  earth,  and  things  under  the  earth  ;  and  that 
every  tongue  should  confess  that  Jesus  Christ 
is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. — Phil- 
ippiaxs  ii  :  8-11. 

Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  receive 
power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength, 
and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing.  And 
every  creature  which  is  in  heaven,  and  on  the 
earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  such  as  are  in 
the  sea,  and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard  I  say- 
ing, Blessing,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  power, 
be  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
unto  the  Lamb  forever  and  ever. — Revelation 
v:  12-13. 

And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and  on  his 
thigh  a  name  written,  KING  OF  KINGS, 
and  LORD  OF  LORDS.— Revelation  xix  :  16. 


24  THE    COVENANTERS    AND     THE 

PUBLIC  SOCIAL  COVENANTING. 

A  vow,  or  religious  covenant,  is  of  the  like 
nature  with  a  promissory  oath,  whereby  we 
bind  ourselves,  either  individually  or  col- 
lectively, to  necessary  duties,  or  to  other 
things  not  forbidden,  so  far  and  so  long  as  they 
conduce  thereunto.  It  is  an  ordinance  of  God, 
which  is  to  be  attended  to  on  special  occasions 
under  the  New  Testament  Dispensation,  as  well 
as  under  the  Old,  by  individuals  and  societies, 
by  churches  and  nations. — Reformed  Presby- 
terian Testimony. 

We,  Ministers,  Elders,  Deacons,  and  Mem- 
bers of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church 
in  North  America,  with  our  hands  lifted  up, 
do  jointly  and  severally  swear  by  the  Great 
and  Dreadful  Name  of  the  Lord  our  God: 
That  coming  into  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God 
with  a  deep  conviction  of  his  awful  majesty 
and  glory,  *  *  we  receive  for  ourselves  and 
for  our  children,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  He 
is  offered  in  the  Gospel  to  be  our  Saviour. — 
Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR     TESTIMONY.  25 


That  thou  shouldest  enter  into  covenant  with 
the  Lord  thy  God,  and  into  his  oath,  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  maketh  with  thee  this  day  ; 
that  he  may  establish  thee  to-day  for  a  people 
unto  himself,  and  that  he  may  be  unto  thee  a 
God,  as  he  hath  said  unto  thee,  and  as  he  hath 
sworn  unto  thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac, 
and  to  Jacob.  Neither  with  you  only  do  I 
make  this  covenant  and  this  oath ;  but  with 
him  that  standeth  here  with  us  this  day  before 
the  Lord  our  God,  and  also  with  him  that  is 
not  here  with  us  this  day. — Deuteronomy 
xxix  :  12-15. 

Moreover  I  will  make  a  covenant  of  peace 
with  them  ;  it  shall  be  an  everlasting  covenant 
with  them :  and  I  will  place  them,  and  multi- 
ply them,  and  will  set  my  sanctuary  in  the 
midst  of  them  for  evermore.  My  tabernacle 
also  shall  be  with  them :  yea,  I  will  be  their 
God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people. — Ezekiel 
xxxvii  :  26-27. 


26  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

THE  PERPETUAL  OBLIGATION   OF 
COVENANTS. 

Covenants  entered  into  by  an  individual  or 
a  community,  continue  binding  upon  those 
who  enter  into  them,  either  personally  or  by 
their  representatives,  so  long  as  such  persons 
live,  unless  the  covenants  have. limited  their 
own  duration  to  a  certain  other  period.  The 
covenant  obligation  is  admitted  and  sanctioned 
by  God,  as  distinct  from  any  previous  obliga- 
tion arising  from  the  Divine  law ;  but  no  vow 
or  covenant  of  man  can  bind  to  any  thing  con- 
trary to  the  law  of  God. — Reformed  Presby- 
terian Testimony. 

An  acknowledgment  of  public  covenanting 
as  an  ordinance  of  God  to  be  observed  by 
churches  and  nations;  and  of  the  perpetual 
obligation  of  public  covenants ;  and  of  the 
obligation  upon  this  Church  of  the  Covenant 
entered  into  in  1871,  in  which  are  embodied 
the  engagements  of  the  National  Covenant  of 
Scotland,  and  of  the  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
nant, so  far  as  applicable  in  this  land. — Fourth 
Term  of  Communion. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR     TESTIMONY.  27 


And  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant 
with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away  from 
them,  to  do  them  good ;  but  I  will  put  my  fear 
in  their  hearts,  that  they  shall  not  depart  from 
me.  Yea,  I  will  rejoice  over  them  to  do  them 
good,  and  I  will  plant  them  in  this  land  assur- 
edly with  my  whole  heart,  and  with  my  whole 
soul. — Jeremiah  xxxii  :  40-41. 

Come,  and  let  us  join  ourselves  to  the  Lord 
in  a  perpetual  covenant  that  shall  not  be  for- 
gotten.— Jeremiah  l  :  5. 

This  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with 
them  after  those  days,  saith  the  Lord ;  I  will 
put  my  laws  into  their  hearts,  and  in  their 
minds  will  I  write  them ;  and  their  sins  and 
iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more. — Hebrews 
x:  16-17. 


28  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 


TESTIMONY  BEARING. 

Committing  ourselves  with  all  our  interests 
to  the  keeping  of  Him  in  whom  we  have  be- 
lieved ;  in  faithfulness  to  our  own  vows,  and  to 
the  Covenants  of  our  Fathers,  and  to  our  chil- 
dren whom  we  desire  to  lead  in  the  right  ways 
of  the  Lord  ;  in  love  to  all  mankind,  especially 
the  household  of  faith ;  in  obedience  to  the 
commandment  of  the  everlasting  God,  to  "  con- 
tend earnestly  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  saints,"  we  will  bear  true  testimony  in 
word  and  in  deed  for  every  known  part  of 
divine  truth,  and  for  all  the  ordinances  ap- 
pointed by  Christ  in  his  kingdom ;  and  we 
will  tenderly  and  charitably,  yet  plainly  and 
decidedly,  oppose  and  discountenance  all  and 
every  known  error,  immorality,  neglect  or 
perversion  of  divine  institutions. — Covenant 
of  1871. 

The  Church  may  not  recede  from  a  more 
clear  and  particular  testimony  to  a  more  gen- 
eral and  evasive  one ;  but  the  witnesses  must 
proceed  in  finishing  their  testimony,  rendering 
it  more  pointed  and  complete,  until  God  shall, 
according  to  His  promise,  overthrow  the  em- 
pire of  darkness,  and  introduce  the  Millennial 
state,  in  which  "  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the 
knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea." — Reformed  Presbyterian  Testimony. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  29 


Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A  city  that  is 
set  on  a  hill  cannot  be  hid.  Neither  do  men 
light  a  candle,  and  put  it  under  a  bushel,  but 
on  a  candlestick ;  and  it  giveth  light  unto  all 
that  are  in  the  house.  Let  your  light  so  shine 
before  men,  that  they  may  see  your  good  works, 
and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. — 
Matthew  v  :  14-16. 

Be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of 
his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God, 
that  ye  may  be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles 
of  the  devil.  For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh 
and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against 
powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of 
this  world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high 
places. — Ephesians  vi  :  10-12. 

Wherefore,  seeing  we  also  are  compassed 
about  with  so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  let 
us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  which 
doth  so  easily  beset  us,  and  let  us  run  with 
patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us,  looking 
unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our 
faith  ;  who,  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him, 
endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is 
set  down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of 
God. — Hebrews  xii  :  1-3. 


30  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

POLITICAL  DISSENT. 

We  take  ourselves  sacredly  bound  to  regu- 
late all  our  civil  relations,  attachments,  profes- 
sions and  deportment,  by  our  allegiance  and 
loyalty  to  the  Lord,  our  King,  Lawgiver,  and 
Judge ;  and  by  this  our  oath,  we  are  pledged 
to  promote  the  interests  of  public  order  and 
justice,  to  support  cheerfully  whatever  is  for 
the  good  of  the  commonwealth  in  which  we 
dwell,  and  to  pursue  this  object  in  all  things 
not  forbidden  by  the  law  of  God,  or  inconsis- 
tent with  public  dissent  from  an  unscriptural 
and  immoral  civil  power. 

We  will  pray  and  labor  for  the  peace  and 
welfare  of  our  country,  and  for  its  reformation 
by  a  constitutional  recognition  of  God  as  the 
source  of  all  power,  of  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Ruler 
of  nations,  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the 
supreme  rule,  and  of  the  true  Christian  Reli- 
gion ;  and  we  will  continue  to  refuse  to  incor- 
porate by  any  act,  with  the  political  body,  until 
this  blessed  reformation  has  been  secured. — 
Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  31 


Be  ye  not  unequally  yoked  together  with 
unbelievers :  for  what  fellowship  hath  right- 
eousness with  unrighteousness?  and  what 
communion  hath  light  with  darkness?  and 
what  concord  hath  Christ  with  Belial?  or 
what  part  hath  he  that  believeth  with  an 
infidel? 

Wherefore  come  out  from  among  them,  and 
be  ye  separate,  saith  the  Lord,  and  touch  not 
the  unclean  thing;  and  I  will  receive  you, 
and  will  be  a  Father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall 
be  my  sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord 
Almighty. — II  Corinthians  vi  :  14-15,  17-18. 

Let  us  go  forth  therefore  unto  him  without 
the  camp,  bearing  his  reproach. — Hebrews 
xiii  :  13. 

These  are  they  which  follow  the  Lamb 
whithersoever  he  goeth. — Revelation  xiv  :  4. 

He  that  denieth  me  before  men  shall  be 
denied  before  the  angels  of  God. — Luke  xii  :  9. 


32  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 


SECRET  ORDERS. 

Christians  should  walk  in  the  light.  Their 
doctrines,  their  purposes,  and  manner  of  life, 
their  rules  of  action  and  conduct,  should  not 
be  concealed.  The  formation  of  secret  associ- 
ations for  the  prosecution  of  ends,  however  good 
professedly,  is  inconsistent  with  the  require- 
ments of  Christian  principle. — Reformed  Pres- 
byterian Testimony. 

We  reject  all  systems  of  false  religion  and 
will-worship,  and  with  these  all  forms  of  secret 
oath-bound  societies  and  orders,  as  ensnaring 
in  their  nature,  pernicious  in  their  tendency, 
and  perilous  to  the  liberties  of  both  Church  and 
State. — Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  33 


And  have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness,  but  rather  reprove  them. 
For  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of  those  things 
which  are  done  of  them  in  secret.  But  all 
things  that  are  reproved  are  made  manifest  by 
the  light ;  for  whatsoever  doth  make  manifest 
is  light.  Wherefore  he  saith,  Awake,  thou 
that  sleepest,  and  arise  from  the  dead,  and 
Christ  shall  give  thee  light.  See  then  that  ye 
walk  circumspectly,  not  as  fools,  but  as  wise, 
redeeming  the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil. 
— Ephesiaxs  v :  11-16. 

For  every  one  that  doeth  evil  hateth  the 
light,  neither  cometh  to  the  light,  lest  his  deeds 
should  be  reproved.  But  he  that  doeth  truth 
cometh  to  the  light,  that  his  deeds  may  be 
made  manifest,  that  they  are  wrought  in  God. 
—John  hi:  20-21. 

For  there  is  nothing  covered  that  shall  not  be 
revealed ;  neither  hid,  that  shall  not  be  known. 
Therefore,  whatsoever  ye  have  spoken  in  dark- 
ness shall  be  heard  in  the  light;  and  that 
which  ye  have  spoken  in  the  ear  in  closets, 
shall  be  proclaimed  upon  the  housetops. — Luke 
xii  :  2-3. 


34  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 


DIVINE   PSALMODY. 

Singing  God's  praise  is  a  part  of  public 
social  worship,  in  which  the  whole  congrega- 
tion should  join.  The  book  of  Psalms  which 
are  of  divine  inspiration,  is  well  adapted  to 
the  state  of  the  Church,  and  of  every  member, 
in  all  ages  and  circumstances;  and  these 
Psalms,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  imitations  and 
uninspired  compositions,  are  to  be  used  in 
social  worship.  —  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Testimony. 

The  singing  of  psalms  with  grace  in  the 
heart  is  a  part  of  the  ordinary  religious  wor- 
ship of  God. — Confession  of  Faith. 

It  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  praise  God 
publicly,  by  singing  of  psalms  together  in  the 
congregation,  and  also  privately  in  the  family. 
— Westminster  Directory. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY. 


0  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord ;  let  us 
make  a  joyful  noise  to  the  Rock  of  our  salva- 
tion. Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with 
thanksgiving,  and  make  a  joyful  noise  unto 
him  with  psalms. — Psalm  xcv  :  1-2. 

Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly 
in  all  wisdom  ;  teaching  and  admonishing  one 
another  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual 
songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the 
Lord. — Colossi ans  in :  16. 

Thy  watchmen  shall  lift  up  the  voice ;  with 
the  voice  together  shall  they  sing :  for  they 
shall  see  eye  to  eye,  when  the  Lord  shall  bring 
again  Zion. — Isaiah  lii  ;  8. 

Is  any  among  you  afflicted  ?  Let  him  pray. 
Is  any  merry  ?  Let  him  sing  psalms. — James 
v:  13. 


36       THE  COVENANTERS  AND  THE 


TEMPERANCE. 

Mutual  help  in  a  holy  life  and  maintenance 
of  the  truth,  being  one  design  of  church  fellow- 
ship; that  individuals  may  be  saved  from  the 
ruin  wrought  by  intemperance,  and  that  a 
testimony  may  be  borne  against  this  sin,  and 
against  the  temptations  thereto,  the  followers 
of  Christ  should  totally  abstain  from  the  manu- 
facture, sale  and  use  of  intoxicants  as  a  beve- 
rage.— Reformed   Presbyterian  Testimony. 

We  do  solemnly  promise  to  depart  from  all 
iniquity,  and  to  live  soberly,  righteously,  and 
godly  in  this  present  world,  commending  and 
encouraging,  by  our  example,  temperance, 
charity  and  godliness. — Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  37 

Who  hath  woe?  Who  hath  sorrow?  Who 
hath  contentions  ?  Who  hath  babbling  ?  Who 
hath  wounds  without  cause  ?  Who  hath  red- 
ness of  eyes  ?  They  that  tarry  long  at  the  wine ; 
they  that  go  to  seek  mixed  wine.  Look  not 
thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red,  when  it 
giveth  his  color  in  the  cup,  when  it  moveth 
itself  aright.  At  last  it  biteth  like  a  serpent, 
and  stingeth  like  an  adder. — Proverbs  xxiii  : 
29-32. 

Woe  unto  them  that  rise  up  early  in  the 
morning,  that  they  may  follow  strong  drink ; 
that  continue  until  night,  till  wine  inflame 
them !  and  the  harp  and  the  viol,  the  tabret 
and  pipe,  and  wine  are  in  their  feasts;  but 
they  regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord,  neither 
consider  the  operation  of  his  hands. — Isaiah 
v:  11-12. 

For  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salvation 
hath  appeared  unto  all  men,  teaching  us,  that 
denying  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we 
should  live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in 
this  present  world;  looking  for  that  blessed 
hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great 
God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. — Titus  ii  : 
11-13. 


38  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

CHURCH  UNION. 

Believing  the  Church  to  be  one,  and  that  all 
the  saints  have  communion  with  God  and  with 
one  another  in  the  same  Covenant ;  believing 
moreover,  that  schism  and  sectarianism  are 
sinful  in  themselves,  and  inimical  to  true  reli- 
gion, and  trusting  that  divisions  shall  cease, 
and  the  people  of  God  become  one  Catholic 
Church  over  all  the  earth,  we  will  pray  and 
labor  for  the  visible  oneness  of  the  Church  of 
God  in  our  own  land  and  throughout  the 
world,  on  the  basis  of  truth  and  of  Scriptural 
order.  Considering  it  a  principal  duty  of  our 
profession  to  cultivate  a  holy  brotherhood,  we 
will  strive  to  maintain  Christian  friendship 
with  pious  men  of  every  name,  and  to  feel  and 
act  as  one  with  all  in  every  land  who  pursue 
this  grand  end.  And,  as  a  means  of  securing 
this  great  result,  we  will  by  dissemination  and 
application  of  the  principles  of  truth  herein 
professed,  and  by  cultivating  and  exercising 
Christian  charity,  labor  to  remove  stumbling 
blocks,  and  to  gather  into  one  the  scattered  and 
divided  friends  of  truth  and  righteousness. — 
Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  39 

That  they  all  may  be  one ;  as  thou,  Father, 
art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also  may  be 
one  in  us :  that  the  world  may  believe  that 
thou  hast  sent  me.  And  the  glory  which  thou 
gavest  me  I  have  given  them  ;  that  they  may 
be  one,  even  as  we  are  one  :  I  in  them,  and 
thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made  perfect  in 
one;  and  that  the  world  may  know  that  thou 
hast  sent  me,  and  hast  loved  them,  as  thou 
hast  loved  me. — John  xvii  :  21-23. 

0  thou  afflicted,  tossed  with  tempest,  and  not 
comforted,  behold,  I  will  lay  thy  stones  with 
fair  colors,  and  lay  thy  foundations  with  sap- 
phires. And  I  will  make  thy  windows  of 
agates,  and  thy  gates  of  carbuncles,  and  all  thy 
borders  of  pleasant  stones.  And  all  thy  chil- 
dren shall  be  taught  of  the  Lord  ;  and  great 
shall  be  the  peace  of  thy  children.  In  right- 
eousness shalt  thou  be  established. — Isaiah 
liv:  11-14. 

Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto 
a  perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature 
of  the  fulness  of  Christ :  that  we  henceforth  be 
no  more  children,  tossed  to  and  fro,  and  car- 
ried about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine. — 
Ephesians  iv  :  13-14. 


40  THE    COVENANTERS   AND    THE 

THE  CHRISTIAN  SABBATH. 

This  Sabbath  is  then  kept  holy  unto  the 
Lord,  when  men,  after  a  due  preparing  of  their 
hearts  and  ordering  of  their  common  affairs 
beforehand,  do  not  only  observe  a  holy  rest  all 
the  day  from  their  own  works,  words,  and 
thoughts,  about  their  worldly  employments 
and  recreations,  but  also  are  taken  up  the 
whole  time  in  public  and  private  exercises  of 
his  worship,  and  in  the  duties  of  necessity  and 
mercy. — Confession  of  Faith. 

The  Lord  of  life  and  time  hath  set  apart  one 
seventh  part  of  time,  from  the  common  work 
of  life,  to  be  employed  exclusively  in  the  pub- 
lic and  private  exercises  of  God's  worship,  ex- 
cept so  much  of  it  as  may  be  taken  up  in  the 
works  of  necessity  and  mercy ;  and  since  the 
resurrection  of  Christ,  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
comprehending  twenty-four  hours,  from  mid- 
night to  midnight,  is  the  weekly  Sabbath. — 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Testimony. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  41 


Verily,  my  Sabbaths  ye  shall  keep  :  for  it  is 
a  sign  between  me  and  you  throughout  your 
generations;  that  ye  may  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord  that  doth  sanctify  you. — Exodus 
xxxi  :  13. 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sabbath, 
from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day ;  and 
call  the  Sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the 
Lord,  honorable ;  and  shalt  honor  him,  not 
doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own 
pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words  :  then 
shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord ;  and  I 
will  cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places  of 
the  earth,  and  feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of 
Jacob  thy  father  ;  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord 
hath  spoken  it. — Isaiah  lyiii  :  13-14. 

Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the 
law  or  the  prophets :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy, 
but  to  fulfil.  For  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Till 
heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall 
in  no  wise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled. 
— Matthew  v  :  17-18. 

There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  (a  keeping 
of  Sabbath)  to  the  people  of  God. — Hebrews 
iv  :  9. 


42  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 


NATIONAL  REFORM. 

Christians  testifying  against  national  evils, 
and  striving  in  the  use  of  moral  means  to  effect 
a  reformation,  should  relinquish  temporal 
privileges,  rather  than  do  anything  which  may 
appear  to  contradict  their  testimony,  or  lay  a 
stumbling-block  before  their  weaker  breth- 
ren.— Reformed  Presbyterian  Testimony. 

Persuaded  that  God  is  the  source  of  all  legi- 
timate power ;  that  He  has  instituted  civil  gov- 
ernment for  his  own  glory  and  the  good  of 
man ;  that  He  has  appointed  his  Son,  the  Medi- 
ator, to  headship  over  the  nations;  and  that 
the  Bible  is  the  supreme  law  and  rule  in  na- 
tional as  in  all  other  things,  we  will  maintain 
the  responsibility  of  nations  to  God,  the  right- 
ful dominion  of  Jesus  Christ  over  the  common- 
wealth, and  the  obligation  of  nations  to  leg- 
islate in  conformity  with  the  written  Word. — 
Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  43 

And  many  people  shall  go  and  say,  Come 
ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the 
Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob ;  and 
he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk 
in  his  paths  ;  for  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the 
law,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem. 
And  he  shall  judge  among  the  nations,  and 
shall  rebuke  many  people :  and  they  shall  beat 
their  swords  into  plough-shares,  and  their 
spears  into  pruning  hooks :  nation  shall  not 
lift  up  sword  against  nation,  neither  shall  they 
learn  war  any  more. — Isaiah  ii  :  3-4. 

And  they  sing  the  song  of  Moses  the  servant 
of  God,  and  the  song  of  the  Lamb,  saying, 
Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God 
Almighty ;  just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou 
King  of  saints.  Who  shall  not  fear  thee,  O 
Lord,  and  glorify  thy  name  ?  For  thou  art 
holy;  for  all  nations  shall  come  and  worship 
before  thee  ;  for  thy  judgments  are  made  mani- 
fest.— Revelation  xv  :  3-4. 

And  the  kingdom  and  dominion,  and  the 
greatness  of  the  kingdom  under  the  whole 
heaven,  shall  be  given  to  the  people  of  the 
saints  of  the  Most  High,  whose  kingdom  is  an 
everlasting  kingdom,  and  all  dominions  shall 
serve  and  obey  him. — Daniel  vii  :  27. 


44  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

GOSPEL  MISSIONS. 

Rejoicing  that  the  enthroned  Mediator  is  not 
only  King  in  Zion,  but  King  over  all  the 
earth,  and  recognizing  the  obligation  of  his 
command  to  "  go  into  all  the  world  and  preach 
the  Gospel  to  every  creature,"  and  to  "  teach 
all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost," 
and  resting  with  faith  in  the  promise  of  his 
perpetual  presence  as  the  pledge  of  success,  we 
hereby  dedicate  ourselves  to  the  work  of  mak- 
ing known  God's  Light  and  Salvation  among 
the  nations,  and  to  this  end  will  labor  that  the 
Church  may  be  provided  with  an  earnest,  self- 
denying  and  able  ministry.  Profoundly  con- 
scious of  past  remissness  and  neglect,  we  will 
henceforth,  by  our  prayers,  pecuniary  contri- 
butions, and  personal  exertions,  seek  the  revival 
of  pure  and  undefiled  religion,  the  conversion 
of  Jews  and  Gentiles  to  Christ,  that  all  men 
may  be  "  blessed  in  Him,  and  that  all  nations 
may  call  Him  blessed." — Covenant  of  1871. 


VOICE    OF    THEIR    TESTIMONY.  45 


Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost :  teaching  them 
to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  com- 
manded you:  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway, 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Amen. — 
Matthew  xxviii  :  19-20. 

How  then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom 
they  have  not  believed  ?  And  how  shall  they 
believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ? 
And  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ? 
And  how  shall  they  preach  except  they  be 
sent  ?  As  it  is  written,  How  beautiful  are  the 
feet  of  them  that  preach  the  gospel  of  peace, 
and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good  things ! — 
Romans  x  :  14-16. 

And  the  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  Come. 
And  let  him  that  heareth  say,  Come.  And  let 
him  that  is  athirst  come.  And  whosoever  will, 
let  him  take  the  water  of  life  freely. — Revela- 
tion xxii  :  17. 


46  THE    COVENANTERS    IN   HISTORY. 

Part  II. 

A  VIEW  OF  THE  COVENANTER 
CHURCH. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord ;  I  remember  thee,  the 
kindness  of  thy  youth,  the  love  of  thine  espou- 
sals, when  thou  wentest  after  me  in  the  wil- 
derness, in  a  land  that  was  not  sown.  Israel 
was  holiness  unto  the  Lord,  and  the  first  fruits 
of  his  increase. — Jeremiah,  ii  :  2-3. 

Remember  the  days  of  old,  consider  the 
years  of  many  generations ;  ask  thy  father, 
and  he  will  show  thee;  thy  elders,  and  they 
will  tell  thee.  When  the  Most  High  divided 
to  the  nations  their  inheritance,  when  he  sep- 
arated the  sons  of  Adam,  he  set  the  bounds  of 
the  people  according  to  the  number  of  the 
children  of  Israel.  For  the  Lord's  portion  is 
his  people ;  Jacob  is  the  lot  of  his  inheritance. 
— Deuteronomy,  xxxii  :  7-9. 

"Though  in  mist,  and  in  darkness,  and  fire  they  were 
shrouded, 
Yet  the  souls  of  the  righteous  stood  calm  and  unclouded  ; 
Their  dark  eyes  flashed  lightning,  as  proud  and  unbend- 
ing, 
They  stood  like  the  rock  which  the  thunder  is  rending." 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN   HISTORY.  47 

Chapter  I. 
THE  COVENANTERS  IN  HISTORY. 

The  Covenanter  Church  has  added  a  volume 
of  history  to  the  world's  library  which  will 
ever  be  prized,  for  it  has  been  brightly  illum- 
inated with  examples  of  Christian  fortitude 
and  with  the  triumphs  of  faith.  The  path  of 
this  Church,  through  the  struggles  of  the 
Reformation,  will  be  followed  with  interest 
while  the  world  endures.  As  Daniel  Webster 
said  of  Massachusetts,  so  may  it  be  said  of  the 
Church  of  the  Covenants, — "The  past,  at 
least,  is  secure."  Her  life,  her  work,  her  prin- 
ciples, her  struggles,  her  sufferings,  her  unyield- 
ing spirit  and  complacent  courage  and  un- 
quenchable hope,  inspire  all  who  are  thoughtful 
and  observing. 

As  we  view  this  Church  coming  through  the 
ages,  a  "  Cloud  of  witnesses"  hovers  around  us ; 
examples  of  holy  bravery  multiply  in  our  pres- 
ence ;  illustrations  of  doing,  and  daring,  and 
dying  for  Christ  and  his  truth,  pass  before  us, 
till  the  soul  is  either  astir  with  the  same  zeal, 
or  ashamed  of  its  cowardice.  We  see  men  and 
women  declare  their  faith  in  Jesus,  and  defend 
their  religion  with  the  weapons  that  are  spirit- 
ual,   not    carnal,    while    facing    banishment, 


48  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    HISTORY. 

imprisonment,  torture,  and  death.  Every 
comfort  on  earth,  each  tender  tie,  life's  bright- 
est hopes,  all  are  sacrificed  rather  than  mar 
their  loyalty  to  their  King  Immanuel. 

But  where  do  we  find  the  starting-point  of 
Covenanter  History  ?  As  a  denomination,  this 
Church  traces  her  record  to  Scotland,  the 
country  of  magnificent  sceneries  and  victories. 
Yet  more  strictly  considered,  the  beginning  is 
not  there.  In  the  better  and  broader  sense, 
we  go  beyond  the  dawning  of  Scottish  civiliza- 
tion, and  outside  those  picturesque  shores,  to 
find  her  origin.  We  have  no  difficulty  in 
recognizing  her  identity  with  the  Christian 
Church  of  the  Primitive  Ages.  The  truths  pro- 
fessed in  Apostolic  times,  the  sincerity  and 
simplicity  of  worship,  the  holy  zeal  and  mar- 
tyr spirit,  all  these  early  traits  of  Christianity 
are  found  later  in  Scotland.  Here  we  discover 
merely  a  new  people,  receiving  the  same 
Gospel,  embracing  the  same  principles,  con- 
tending for  the  same  faith,  animated  with  the 
same  hope  of  eternal  life,  the  true  Church 
taking  root  in  new  soil. 

As  a  distinct  denomination  she  rises  into 
view  in  Scotland.  Her  very  first  appearance 
there  was  in  the  sacred  character  of  Christ's 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    HISTORY.  49 

Kingdom,  as  not  "  of  the  world,"  but  "  hated  " 
by  the  world.  The  foes  of  truth  and  liberty 
pressed  hard  upon  her  from  the  moment  of 
her  entrance.  It  was  a  struggle  for  existence 
from  the  beginning.  In  her  infancy  she  was 
rocked  in  the  cradle  of  persecution.  As  early 
as  1528,  we  find  the  fires  kindled,  and  the 
spirits  of  the  martyrs  ascending  to  Heaven 
through  flames.  Thirty  years  later,  still  har- 
assed and  destroyed  for  their  faith,  their 
descendants  formed  a  covenant  bond,  and  sub- 
scribed it  with  a  solemn  oath,  thereby  plight- 
ing their  love  to  Christ,  and  pledging  their 
lives  to  the  truth.  This  is  the  first  act  of  Pub- 
lic Social  Covenanting  that  became  notable  in 
that  historic  land. 

Two  years  afterward,  they  renewed  their 
oath,  subscribing  another  bond,  prepared  in 
the  same  spirit,  and  embodying  the  same  prin- 
ciples of  faith  and  freedom,  but  expressed  in 
more  vigorous  and  explicit  terms,  declaring 
their  purpose  and  duty  of  adhering  to  the 
true  Christian  Religion,  and  defending  it 
against  all  assailants. 

The  Church  continued  to  grow.  The  flames 
were  ever  swirling  around  the  bush,  and 
through  its  tender  branches,  yet  the  bush  was 


50  THE    COVENANTERS    IN   HISTORY. 

not  consumed.  The  Church  possessed  an 
unconquerable  spirit;  her  vitality  was  inde- 
structible ;  her  loyalty  to  Christ  was  immutable. 
The  children  of  the  Covenant  multiplied 
in  proportion  to  the  severity  of  the  strife 
waged  against  them.  The  following  genera- 
tion developed  into  a  strong,  well-organized 
and  influential  church,  having  thirteen  pres- 
byteries, and  a  general  assembly. 

In  the  year  1581,  another  bond  of  union  and 
defence  was  adopted  and  subscribed,  called  the 
First  National  Covenant.  This  was  a  most 
notable  deed.  While  it  was  an  expansion  of 
former  bonds,  for  the  use  of  the  entire  king- 
dom, it  became  also  the  foundation  of  future 
covenants.  It  became  a  source  of  unity  and 
strength  to  the  Church ;  yet  at  the  same  time 
it  was  a  target  for  the  fire  of  the  enemy. 
Though  the  Church  was  for  the  time  exalted, 
she  was  not  secure;  though  prosperous,  her 
victories  were  not  sealed  with  enduring  peace. 
While  the  joy  of  the  solemn  oath  was  vibrating 
across  the  kingdom,  a  storm  was  gathering. 
The  king  made  haste  to  overthrow  the  liberty 
of  the  Church ;  he  employed  his  power  in  a 
desperate  attempt  to  bring  her  under  subjec- 
tion to  his  dictates.     A  long  and  terrific  strug- 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN   HISTORY.  51 

gle  ensued,  with  alternate  crash  and  calm,  till 
1638,  when  the  cause  of  truth  and  right  won 
another  triumph,  and  the  fruits  of  the  triumph 
were  garnered  by  another  written  bond.  This 
was  sworn  and  subscribed  with  most  impressive 
solemnity,  and  lias  been  known  ever  since  as 
the  National  Covenant  of  Scotland,  being  an 
enlargement  of  the  Covenant  of  1581. 

This  act  of  covenanting  finds  its  place 
among  the  most  memorable  scenes  that  illum- 
inate the  pages  of  the  Covenanter  Church.  One 
historian  says  that  this  was  the  time,  "  when 
men  felt  the  presence  of  that  Dread  Majesty,  to 
whom  they  vowed  allegiance,  and  bowed 
their  heads  before  him,  in  breathless  awe  of 
spiritual  devotion.  As  if  all  were  moved  by 
one  spirit,  (and  doubtless  they  were  moved 
by  one  Eternal  Spirit),  with  low  heart-wrung 
groans,  and  faces  bathed  in  tears,  they  lifted 
their  right  hands  to  heaven,  avowing  by  this 
sublime  appeal,  that  they  had  now  joined 
themselves  to  the  Lord,  in  an  Everlasting  Cov- 
enant that  shall  not  be  forgotten." 

This  was  soon  followed  by  the  Solemn 
League  and  Covenant,  uniting  the  kingdoms 
of  Scotland,  England,  and  Ireland  in  the 
acceptance,   enjoyment,   and    defence,   of    the 


52  THE    COVENANTERS    IX    HISTORY. 

Reformed  Religion.     The  Church  now  seemed 
to  have  reached  a  climax  of  liberty  and  secur- 
ity ;  but  her  future  was  soon  darkened.     The 
forces  of  cruelty  and  devastation  were  again 
hurled  against  her.     The  enemy  began  a  war 
of  extermination ;  the  king  used  flattery,  de- 
ception, severity,  the  courts,  the   prisons,  the 
army,  every  element    of  arbitrary   power   he 
could  concentrate  in  his  iron  sceptre,  to  erad- 
icate  Covenanted   Presbyterianism   from    the 
soil  of  Scotland.     For  thirty  years  the  work  of 
destruction  continued,  waxing  fiercer  and  still 
more  fierce.     The  blood  of  the  martyrs  flowed 
freely.     They  were  numbered  by  the   thous- 
ands.    The  faithful  fell  like  the  harvest  before 
the   reaper.     At  length  the    triumph   of    the 
Prince  of  Orange,  in  1688,  quenched  the  con- 
suming fires,  and  sheathed  the  dripping  sword. 
The  first  struggle  of  the  Church  for  exist- 
ence and  freedom  in  Scotland  was  with  Pagan- 
ism, in  which  the  meek  and  suffering  followers 
of  Jesus   were   known   simply   as   Christians. 
The  second  conflict  was  with  Papacy,  in  which 
they  became  known  as  Protestants.     The  third 
was  with  Prelacy,  in  which  they  were  denom- 
inated Presbyterians.     The  last  was  in  defence 
of  the  Covenants,  and  the  moral  and  religious 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    HISTORY.  53 

principles  therein  declared;  and  in  this  conflict 
the  defenders  were  pronounced  Covenanters. 
These  people  were  the  same  in  principle,  in 
spirit,  in  purpose,  in  religion,  through  all  these 
changes,  though  distinguished  by  different 
names,  along  the  path  of  history,  according  to 
the  foe  that  attempted  their  suppression. 

During  the  last  persecution  the  Covenanters 
were  greatly  wasted  and  scattered.  A  merci- 
less army  reduced  the  kingdom.  They  raided 
the  towns  and  scoured  the  country :  swooped 
down  from  the  mountains,  and  swept  the  beau- 
tiful valleys ;  invaded  the  sacredness  of  home, 
and  spied  out  the  lonely  hiding-places.  Life 
and  property  perished  at  their  coming;  and 
when  the  storm  was  over,  the  strong  leaders 
and  mighty  veterans  of  the  Church  had  fallen 
in  death. 

Peace  came,  but  a  snare  lay  encoiled  in  the 
sudden  peace.  A  compromise  of  truth,  in 
which  some  vital  covenanted  principles  were 
submerged,  became  the  basis  of  the  re-organiza- 
tion of  the  bleeding  Church.  Many  who  had 
braved  torture  and  death  yielded  to  the  temp- 
tation. Only  three  ministers  remained  con- 
sistent ;  and  these  soon  proved  unable  to 
resist  the  popular  pressure,  and  disappeared 
within  the  shadows  of  the  multitude. 


54  THE    COVENANTERS   IN    HISTORY. 

Yet  there  were  a  few  of  "  the  unconquer- 
able covenanters,  who,  spurning  every  weak 
compliance,  braving  every  danger,  and  sealing 
cheerfully  their  testimony  in  defence  of 
Christ's  Crown  and  Covenant  with  their  blood, 
remained  true  to  their  convictions  and  their 
oath."  These  became  known  as  the  "  Society 
People."  The  Lord  at  length  gave  them  pas- 
tors. He  revived  his  covenanted  cause,  and 
still  continues  to  give  this  historic  people  place 
in  his  providence,  and  in  his  service,  who,  on 
account  of  maintaining,  applying,  and  defend- 
ing Reformation  Principles,  are  called  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church. 

Thus,  the  Covenanted  Church  is  found  in 
history  "  coming  up  from  the  wilderness,  lean- 
ing upon  her  Beloved."  See,  "  she  looks  forth 
as  the  morning,"  dispelling  the  shadows  of 
darkness  from  the  benighted  land,  and  shed- 
ding light  upon  many  souls,  transforming 
their  tears  into  diamonds.  She  is  also  "  fair 
as  the  moon,"  full-orbed  in  the  perfectness  of 
her  character,  modest  and  beautiful,  yet  con- 
spicuously moving  along  the  calm,  deep  firma- 
ment of  truth,  while  many  a  storm  breaks  upon 
her  face,  and,  passing  on,  leaves  her  brightness 
unchanged.     Yea,  she  is  "  clear  as  the  sun," 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    HISTORY.  55 

clothed  with  light,  luminous  with  inspired 
truth,  and  glorious  with  the  presence  of  God, 
giving  a  day  of  Reformation  to  her  country, 
which,  though  darkened  by  many  clouds,  has 
never  had  a  sunset.  Moreover,  she  is  "  terri- 
ble as  an  army  with  banners,"  making  kings 
and  queens  tremble  on  their  thrones  by  her 
prayers,  winning  victories  by  firm  and  fearless 
declaration  of  the  truth,  conquering  the  foe  by 
preaching  in  the  pulpit  and  by  dying  on  the 
scaffold.  Such  has  been  the  Covenanted 
Church  of  the  past.  Are  the  Covenanters  of 
to-day  worthy  of  their  history  ? 


56  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 


Thou  hast  given  a  banner  to  them  that  fear 
thee, 

That  it  may  be  displayed  because  of  the 
truth. — Psalm  lx  :  4. 

The  principles  which  led  to  the  settlement 
of  New  England,  and  which  pervaded  her  col- 
onies, and  became  the  only  principles  on  which 
heaven  would  smile  throughout  this  wide  con- 
tinent, are  but  the  principles  of  the  Reforma- 
tion matured  and  advanced.  Those  extra- 
ordinary characters,  who,  for  religion's  sake, 
braved  dangers  incredible,  endured  sacrifices 
that  seemed  not  endurable,  and  periled  all 
things  in  these  western  wilds,  were  Heaven's 
chosen  agents,  to  prepare  a  new  and  wider  field 
for  the  display  of  what  Christianity  can  do  to 
bless  the  world.  Europe  had  been  sifted,  and 
her  finest  wheat  taken  to  sow  in  this  American 
soil. — Rev.  Hollis  Read,  D.D. 


THE    COVENANTEES    IN    AMERICA.  57 

Chapter  II. 
THE  COVENANTERS  IN  AMERICA. 

The  Covenanter  Church  in  America  is  not 
the  out-growth  of  individual  thought.  She 
traces  her  origin  to  no  man  as  her  founder. 
She  has  had  eminent  teachers  and  illustrious 
defenders,  but  no  earthly  father.  She  depends 
not  upon  the  perpetuity  of  an  earthly  creed  for 
her  existence.  She  has  a  deeper  and  more 
enduring  foundation.  Her  founder  is  Jesus 
Christ :  her  creed  is  the  Word  of  God,  on  which 
her  subordinate  standards  are  based.  She 
claims  legitimate  connection  and  personal 
identity  with  the  true  Christian  Church  of  all 
ages. 

During  the  last  persecution  in  Scotland  many 
of  the  best  citizens  of  that  country  were  ban- 
ished to  America.  Some  were  transported  as 
felons,  because  they  would  not  violate  their 
conscience  nor  break  their  vows,  by  acknowl- 
edging the  supremacy  of  man  to  be  above  that 
of  God  and  his  Word,  in  either  civil  or  eccles- 
iastical affairs.  Others  fled  because  there  was 
no  prospect  of  freedom  in  their  native  country 
to  worship  God,  as  they  had  been  taught  in 
the    Holy    Scriptures.       Others 


58  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

attracted  to  this  great  continent  in  the  hope  of 
obtaining  a  livelihood,  being  impoverished 
through  heavy  fines  and  frequent  imprison- 
ment by  the  British  Government.  They  came 
like  the  Huguenots  from  France,  the  Puritans 
from  England,  and  the  Presbyterians  from  Hol- 
land, choosing  liberty  in  a  wilderness,  rather 
than  oppression  in  their  native  land.  Thus 
the  blood  of  the  martyrs  became  the  seed  of 
the  Church  in  this  country,  and  the  testimony 
of  those  who  survived  that  crucial  trial  became 
a  heritage  of  civil  and  religious  liberty  to  the 
forthcoming  nation. 

The  Covenanters  settled  in  America  chiefly 
for  the  sake  of  their  religion,  yet  without  pru- 
dent regard  to  church  conveniences.  They 
were  thinly  scattered  from  Nova  Scotia  to 
South  Carolina,  and  far  into  the  interior.  They 
built  their  first  churches  of  logs  among  the 
dense  forests.  Sometimes  the  ordinances  were 
administered  in  private  dwellings,  or  in  barns. 
Sometimes  in  the  open  air,  under  the  spread- 
ing trees,  they  received  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  while  the  majesty  of  God  seemed 
to  pervade  the  silent  woods,  and  a  sense  of  his 
presence  touched  the  hearts  of  the  worshippers. 

The  ministers  were  few.     They  labored  in- 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA.  59 

dustriously  and  with  great  sacrifice,  to  gather 
together  the  scattered  families,  and  organize 
congregations.  They  rode  long  distances  on 
horseback,  often  travelling  unfrequented  roads, 
pursuing  mountain  paths,  crossing  bridgeless 
streams ;  hungry,  weary,  drenched,  shelterless 
at  night,  and  among  wild  beasts  and  wilder 
Indians.  The  pastor  of  modern  years  knows 
little  of  the  pains  endured  by  the  ministers  of 
the  former  times.  The  Word  was  precious  in 
those  days.  Divine  services  were  conducted 
with  great  simplicity  and  enjoyed  with  spirit- 
ual relish. 

The  Covenanters  took  no  active  part  in  civil 
affairs  in  America  while  the  colonies  were  sub- 
ject to  Great  Britain.  They  would  not  sustain 
the  British  Government  in  this  land,  having 
fled  from  its  central  power,  to  escape  its  rigors, 
hoping  that  distance  from  the  throne  would 
secure  peace  and  quietness.  With  manly 
spirit  and  Christian  fortitude  they  promulgated 
those  precious  principles  of  independence,  for 
which  their  brethren  had  freely  offered  up 
their  lives  on  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

Being  led  by  the  Rev.  Alexander  Craighead, 
at  Octorara,  Pa.,  in  1743,  they  renewed  their 
Covenants,  planting  the  Reformation   vine  in 


60  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

American  soil,  with  a  solemn  appeal  to  God. 
In  their  bond  they  not  only  declared  their 
religious  convictions,  but  also  their  right  to 
civil  independence ;  and  this,  too,  thirty-six 
years  in  advance  of  the  ringing  of  the  Liberty 
Bell  of  Philadelphia. 

The  followers  of  the  same  minister,  who 
afterwards  located  in  North  Corolina,  made  a 
public  demand  for  national  independence 
from  Great  Britain.  They  circulated  the  dar- 
ing document;  it  breathed  the  spirit  of  the 
early  Scottish  Covenanter  papers.  From  this 
bold  statement  of  rights  and  principles,  the 
writer  of  America's  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence admits  that  he  received  aid,  and  drew 
inspiration. 

During  the  Revolution  they  fought  on  one 
side  only.  Their  Christian  training  made 
them  strong  for  the  right  and  uncompromising 
with  oppression.  Their  allegiance  was  given 
to  the  cause  of  the  colonies  ;  with  strong  hearts 
and  ready  hands  they  entered  the  conflict  for 
liberty.  They  trusted  that  the  inestimable 
principles,  preserved  through  the  long  con- 
flicts of  the  past,  and  at  the  cost  of  much  mar- 
tyr blood,  would  have  been  incorporated  into 
the  life  and  constitution  of  the  young  nation. 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA.  61 

But,  how  painful  their  disappointment,  when 
the  Federal  Constitution  was  adopted,  without 
reference  to  Divine  Providence,  or  the  men- 
tion of  God's  name  in  it!  What  sense  of  shame 
was  theirs  when  they  saw  human  slavery 
established  by  law!  The  only  consistent 
course  of  action  was  to  separate,  by  dissent, 
from  the  Government.  This  they  promptly 
and  publicly  did ;  and  this  they  have  persist- 
ently and  conspicuously  continued  to  do. 
Their  reasons  were  clear.  This  Government 
was  fundamentally  defective,  in  morality  and 
religion,  in  that  it  made  no  acknowledgment 
of  God,  as  the  source  of  all  power  and  author- 
ity, and  did  not  administer  law  according  to 
the  requirements  of  his  Word. 

From  the  position  of  political  infidelity  the 
United  States  Government  has  never  departed  ; 
and  from  the  position  of  political  dissent 
the  Covenanter  Church  has  never  receded. 
This  little  Church  has  keenly  felt  the  force  of 
public  pressure,  and  has  sustained  many  a 
shock,  but  has  not  yet  been  driven  from  her 
chosen  rock.  For  more  than  a  century  she  has 
lamented  the  evils  flowing  from  the  Federal 
Constitution,  and  has  testified  against  them. 
Her  sons  have  willingly  sacrificed  the  privi- 


62  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

leges  and  advantages  of  suffrage  rather  than 
implicate  themselves  in  the  great  wrongs 
against  God  and  man,  sanctioned  by  the 
nation's  supreme  law. 

This  Church  has  always  been  small  in 
America ;  but  she  is  a  unit  on  almost  every 
great  moral  issue.  Her  position  is  easily  found 
on  all  questions  bearing  upon  the  rights  of  God 
and  man.  Her  distinctive  principles,  which 
give  her  publicity  and  character,  have  never 
been  popular ;  neither  indeed  can  be,  till  the 
nations  shall  be  converted.  She  is  continually 
heading  against  adverse  winds,  yet  keeping 
resolutely  on  her  way ;  often  weakened  by  defec- 
tion, and  desertion,  yet  is  she  not  faint-hearted. 
Heedless  of  resistance  from  without,  and  deser- 
tion from  within,  conscious  of  the  immutabil- 
ity of  the  principles  she  proclaims  to  the  world, 
assured  of  the  triumph  of  the  cause  she  has 
long  maintained,  and  persuaded  that  she  car- 
ries her  commission  from  Him  whose  right  to 
rule  the  nations  shall  yet  be  vindicated,  she 
moves  forward,  having  her  eyes  fixed  only 
upon  her  Exalted  King. 

In  1688,  this  Church  had  only  three  minis- 
ters, and  soon  afterwards  even  these  forsook 
her.    But  the  shepherdless  flock  still  associated 


THE    COVENANTEES    IN    AMERICA.  63 

together  and  maintained  the  royal  claims  of 
Christ.  In  1743,  a  covenant  was  sworn  in 
America,  hut  the  leading  minister  lightly 
esteemed  his  covenant  and  withdrew ;  yet  the 
Church  continued  firm  to  her  espoused  cause. 
In  1782,  a  number  of  ministers  again  aban- 
doned her,  but  she  rode  the  tumultuous  waves 
in  safety.  In  1798,  a  presbytery  was  re-organ- 
ized, which  rapidly  developed  into  a  synod,  to 
be  again  distracted  by  division  in  1833,  when 
about  half  of  the  ministers  and  members 
departed ;  yet  she  survived  and  quickly  multi- 
plied in  congregations  and  missions.  Again 
in  1891,  she  suffered  further  loss  of  pastors  and 
people,  while  her  principles,  especially  her  dis- 
sent, were  pushed  upon  the  arena  of  fierce 
debate  and  public  criticism.  Notwithstanding 
all.  her  spirit  and  purpose  are  still  unyielding 
as  in  her  palmiest  days ;  her  tread  is  firm  and 
her  movements  determined,  as  if  the  masses 
were  with  her ;  for  she  leans  upon  the  strength 
of  her  Great  King.  As  in  the  years  of  her 
fairer  fame,  even  so  now,  she  "  cometh  up  from 
the  wilderness  leaning  upon  her  Beloved." 

God  has  permitted  his  Covenanted  Church  to 
pass  through  great  tribulation,  and  to ''drink 
wine  of  astonishment,"  but  He  has  at  no  time 


64  THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA. 

withdrawn  his  Holy  Spirit  nor  suffered  the 
cause,  which  she  has  served,  to  perish.  He 
has  often  trimmed  the  branches  of  his  Reform- 
ation tree,  but  only  to  make  the  roots  more 
vigorous,  and  the  top  eventually  more  luxu- 
riant in  growth  and  fruit.  He  has  sent  many 
disciplinary  providences  upon  this  part  of  his 
Zion,  yet  He  has  speedily  built  it  up  again 
in  numbers  and  influence.  He  has  unques- 
tionably sustained  those  who,  tenacious  of 
their  principles,  affirm  the  royal  claims  of 
King  Jesus  over  the  nation,  and  adhere  to 
practical  dissent  from  civil  society  constituted 
on  an  immoral  and  atheistic  basis.  The  cov- 
enanted principles  of  Reformation  were  too 
dearly  bought  to  be  submerged  in  a  sea  of 
political  corruption.  God  treasures  them.  They 
shall  yet  be  the  glory  of  our  beloved  land. 
They  are  the  foundation  stones  upon  which  all 
nations  shall  build.  The  right  of  Jesus  to  rule 
in  the  Church  and  over  the  nations,  and  the 
authority  of  his  Word  in  civil  and  religious 
society,  these  are  the  two  pillars  of  the  glorious 
arch,  through  which  the  world  will  enter  into 
the  Millennium  of  righteousness  and  peace. 


THE    COVENANTERS    IN    AMERICA.  65 

"Our  work  lies  wide  ;  men  ache  and  doubt  and  die  ;  Thy 
ark 
Shakes  in  our  hand  ;  reason  and  faith  (God's  son 
And  daughter)  fight  their  futile  battle  in  the  dark. 
Our  sluggish  eyes  slumber  with  our  task  half  done. 

uOh,  bleeding  Priest  of  silent,  sad  Gethsemane — 

That  second  Eden  where  upsprings  the  Healing  Vine, 
Press  from  our  careless  foreheads  drops  of  sweat  for  Thee  ! 
Fill  us  with  sacrificial  love  for  souls,  like  thine. 

"  Thou  who  didst  promise  cheer  along  with  tribulation, 
Hold  up  our  trust  and  keep  it  firm  by  much  enduring  ; 
Feed  fainting  hearts  with  patient  hopes  of  thy  salvation  ; 
Make  glorious  service,  more  than  luxury's  joys,  alluring. 

"  Hallow  our  wit  with  prayer  ;  our  mastery  steep  in  meek- 
ness ; 
Pour  on  our  stumbling  studies  Inspiration's  light  : 
Hew  out  for  thy  dear  Church  a  future  without  weakness, 
Quarried  from  thine  eternal  order,  beauty,  might ! 

" 0  Way  for  all  that  live,  win  us  by  pain  and  loss  ! 

Fill  all  our  years  with  toil — and  comfort  with  thy  rod  ! 
Through  thy  ascension  cloud,  beyond  the  cross, 

Looms  on  our  sight,  in  peace,  the  City  of  our  God." 


— 6^^/^J^yd — 


66  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 


But  continue  thou  in  the  things  which  thou 
hast  learned  and  hast  been  assured  of,  knowing 
of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them ;  and  that 
from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto 
salvation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for 
correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness: 
that  the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thor- 
oughly furnished  unto  all  good  works. — 2  Tim- 
othy hi  :  14-17. 

If  a  man  be  sincerely  wedded  to  Truth,  he 
must  make  up  his  mind  to  find  her  a  portion- 
less Virgin,  and  he  must  take  her  for  himself 
alone.  The  contract,  too,  must  be  to  love, 
cherish,  and  obey  her,  not  only  until  death, 
but  beyond  it ;  for  this  is  a  union  that  must 
survive,  not  only  death,  but  time. — Colton. 


THEIR    SYSTEM    OF    FAITH.  hi 

Chapter  III. 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND  THEIR 

SYSTEM  OF  FAITH. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  is  built 
upon  a  broad  basis.  She  is  sometimes  charged 
with  bigotry,  but  the  charge  is  not  sustained 
by  her  creed.  Hers  is  a  creed  of  magnificent 
dimensions  and  symmetrical  proportions.  It 
embraces  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith, 
the  Assembly's  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms, 
the  Covenants  of  the  Reformation,  the  Re- 
formed Presbyterian  Testimony,  and  the 
American  Covenant  of  1871.  These  constitute 
her  creed,  as  they  are  held  to  be  drawn  from 
the  Scriptures,  and  are  agreeable  thereto. 
Such  a  foundation  ought  assuredly  to  be  broad 
enough  for  the  most  liberal  mind.  Here  is 
length  and  breadth  sufficient  whereon  to  build 
a  temple  of  living  faith  as  high  as  heaven  and 
as  broad  as  eternal  truth. 

The  Covenanter  Church  is  Calvanistic  in  her 
doctrines.  Calvanism  is  Augustinianism ; 
Augustinianism  is  Paulinism ;  and  Paul's  doc- 
trines are  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  Pauline 
System  of  doctrine  is  based  upon  the  princi- 
ple of  God's  sovereignty  in  grace.     Salvation  is 


68  THE    COVENANTERS   AND 

not  of  necessity  with  God,  but  of  free  grace. 
Under  obligations  to  none,  He  saves  whom  He 
will. 

The  Covenanter  Church  is  Presbyterian  in 
her  form  of  government.  Government  by 
elders,  equal  in  power,  is  by  Divine  appoint- 
ment. Thus  was  the  Church  governed  in  the 
land  of  Israel ;  thus  was  she  governed  in  Apos- 
tolic times ;  thus  she  has  a  Divine  warrant  to 
be  governed  till  the  end  of  the  world.  All 
other  forms  of  Church  government  are  man's 
invention,  and  without  authority  from  the 
Word. 

The  Covenanter  Church  is  Reformed  in  her 
worship.  She  endeavors  to  retain  the  sim- 
plicity and  purity  of  the  primitive  Christian 
Church,  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  services  of 
the  sanctuary.  She  guards  the  institutions 
of  grace  by  the  well  established  rule,  drawn 
from  the  Bible,  and  embodied  in  her  subor- 
dinate standards: — Whatsoever  God  has  not 
commanded  to  be  used,  He  has  forbidden  in 
His  service  of  worship. 

This  Church  is  Covenanted.  She  is  joined 
to  the  Lord,  not  by  a  mere  profession  of  faith, 
nor  by  the  bond  of  general  privileges,  nor  by 
strong   arguments    of  gratitude,   but   by    the 


THEIR    SYSTEM    OF    FAITH.  69 

perpetual  Covenants  of  the  fathers,  which, 
though  we  may  forget,  we  cannot  disannul. 
The  moral  obligations  of  the  former  Covenants 
rest  upon  us.  We  have  felt  them  ;  we  have 
acknowledged  them  ;  and  we  have  re-impressed 
them  upon  the  conscience  of  the  Church  with 
a  new  oath  administered  in  1871.  We  are  the 
Lord's  people  in  covenant,  joined  to  him  with 
strongest  bonds,  to  render  service,  to  make  sac- 
rifices, and  to  receive  recompense :  the  service, 
the  sacrifice,  and  the  recompense,  are  all  of  high 
order.  Let  us  beware  lest  we  become  unworthy 
of  the  exalted  relationship. 

The  Covenanter  Church,  there/ore,  is  Cal- 
vanistic  in  her  doctrine,  Presbyterian  in  her  gov- 
ernment, Reformed  in  her  worship,  and  Cove- 
nanted in  her  relation  to  her  King  and  Lord. 
Thus  she  strives  to  be  clothed  upon  with  the 
whole  truth,  before  God  and  the  world. 

Covenanters  are  often  reminded  that  their 
views  of  divine  truth  and  Christian  action  are 
narrow ;  and  at  other  times,  they  are  told  that 
their  creed  is  cumbrous  and  perplexing.  These 
criticisms  are  extremes,  yet  are  they  entitled 
to  consideration.  Are  our  views  of  truth 
and  duty  narrow  ?  Do  we  chiefly  concentrate 
our  prayers,  preaching,  and  energies  around 


70  THE    COVENANTEES    AND 

the  Kingship  of  Christ  ?  Nay  ;  while  the  Cov- 
enanter Church  is  devoted  to  this,  does  she  not 
endeavor  to  be  true  to  all  the  teachings  of  her 
Lord  ?  She  expends,  it  is  true,  much  strength 
upon  this  part  of  her  profession.  But  she  has 
cause.  The  doctrine  of  Christ's  royal  rights 
has  been  the  object  of  attack  all  along  her  line 
of  history ;  and  Providence  has  assigned  her  to 
this  position  of  duty.  This  truth  of  Christ's 
dominion  is  the  key  to  all  the  territory  that 
the  Reformed  churches  of  the  world  have  won 
from  Satan ;  also  it  is  the  key  to  all  the  land  of 
missions;  and  is  it  marvelous  that  Satan  has 
marshalled  his  hordes  against  it  for  centuries, 
and  has  drenched  the  intrenchments  thereof 
with  martyr  blood  ?  The  Covenanted  Church 
finding  herself  placed  here  in  history,  con- 
tinued here  in  providence,  intrenched  here  in 
covenants,  and  trusted  here  with  responsibil- 
ities, must  serve  with  vigilance  and  undevia- 
ting  loyalty. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  is  asked,  Is  not  her 
creed  too  cumbrous  and  perplexing?  Why 
not  reduce  and  simplify  it  ?  For  best  reasons. 
The  extensiveness  of  a  church  creed,  if  sound, 
is  the  evidence  of  magnanimity  of  heart  and 
illumination  of  mind,  provided  the  creed  be 


THEIR    SYSTEM    OF    FAITH.  71 

vibrating  with  the  pulsations  of  spiritual  life, 
find  its  embodiment  in  the  members  of  the 
church,  and  have  its  reflection  in  their  char- 
acter and  actions.  An  expansive  creed  is  the 
expression  of  what  a  church  believes,  a  broad 
field  of  truth  rising  clearly  into  view ;  not  a 
few  rock  points  lifted  into  sunlight,  with  the 
rest  submerged  under  a  cloud  of  doubt.  It  is 
the  expression  of  what  she  knows,  a  world  of 
knowledge  explored  by  long  and  patient  inves- 
tigation ;  not  a  few  simple  sentences  and  prim- 
itive doctrines,  with  the  rest  enshrouded  in 
vagueness.  It  is  the  expression  of  her  courage, 
pushing  forward  the  truth  all  along  the  line  of 
battle,  in  the  face  of  assailants ;  not  present- 
ing a  few  bristling  points  where  danger  is 
least,  and  suppressing  the  remainder  because 
of  opposition  and  reproach. 

The  Flag  of  the  Union  carries  a  star  for 
every  State  in  the  Union,  and  as  soon  as  a  new 
State  is  born,  a  new  star  is  added.  That 
cluster  of  stars  has  grown  into  a  grand  galaxy, 
and  woe  to  the  man,  who  attempts  the  obliter- 
ation of  one  of  those  stars.  The  Covenanter 
Church  has  endeavored  to  fix  upon  her  banner 
every  Bible  doctrine,  as  it  has  come  through 
the    furnace    of    controversy,   and    has    been 


72  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

defined  in  great  Councils,  and  established  by 
much  experience,  to  shine  with  more  than  the 
lustre  and  perpetuity  of  the  stars  of  heaven. 

The  Rev.  A.  R.  Van  Nest,  D.D.,  in  the  Second 
Pan-Presbyterian  Council  said : — "  Creeds  are 
not  made;  they  grow.  But  where  did  our 
creeds  grow  ?  They  grew  in  the  fires  of  perse- 
cution. Go  to  my  fatherland  of  Holland : 
what  do  you  read  upon  the  columns  of  history 
there  ?  One  hundred  thousand  martyrs !  They 
produced  this  glorious  Confession  of  ours. 
Then  turn  to  Scotland :  what  do  you  see 
there?  The  blood  of  martyrs  all  over  the  hills 
of  that  country :  the  memory  of  the  old  Cove- 
nanters. Turn  to  France :  there  we  read  about 
the  Huguenots.  Turn  to  Italy :  what  do  we 
read  there  ?  Of  the  same  glorious  old  faith. 
These  creeds  grew." 

The  Rev.  J.  R.  W.  Sloane,  D.D.,  on  the  same 
occasion  said  : — "  Creeds  always  have  been  a 
necessity  of  the  Christian  Church.  They  were 
formulated,  first,  for  the  benefit  of  those  who 
were  within  the  pale  of  the  Church ;  and, 
secondly,  as  a  bulwark  against  errors  that  were 
outside.  We  ought  to  remember  that  for  these 
creeds  the  Church  of  Christ  in  all  ages  has 
contended  unto  the  death.     As  I  look  over  the 


THEIR    SYSTEM    OF    FAITH.  73 

long  line  of  witnesses,  I  trace  the  pathway  of 
the  Church  by  the  scaffold  on  which  the  wit- 
nesses poured  out  their  blood  like  water ;  and 
by  the  stake  at  which  they  were  burned  for 
the  Word  of  God,  and  for  their  testimony  of 
Jesus.  It  was  not  simply  for  the  Bible  as  such, 
but  for  their  understanding  of  it — for  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  apprehended  its  great  fun- 
damental truths  —  that  they  thus  contended 
even  unto  the  death." 

Another  eminent  divine  said  at  the  same 
time,  on  the  same  occasion:  "  The  Churches 
which  have  had  long  concatenated  creeds, 
are  themselves  to-day  strong  and  vigorous. 
Churches  on  the  other  hand,  which  have  been 
constantly  extemporizing  their  creeds,  have 
been  non-progressive,  so  that  the  evidences  in 
history  are  in  favor  of  length  in  creeds." 

Another  remarked :  "  When  a  creed  is 
adopted  as  expressing  the  faith  of  a  church,  it 
becomes  also  a  solemn  compact  or  Covenant, 
obliging  those  who  thus  receive  it  to  abide 
by  the  doctrines  therein  expressed,  as  long  as 
they  remain  in  the  communion  of  that 
Church." 

The  Covenanter  Church  possesses  a  glorious 
heritage  in  the  creed  that  expresses  her  faith, 


74  THE   COVENANTERS    AND 

and  in  the  credentials  which  she  has  carried 
through  the  centuries.  She  cannot  be  justly- 
charged  with  a  narrow  basis,  nor  with  a  non- 
liberal  platform.  Her  system  of  faith  is  com- 
prehensive ;  her  doctrines  are  clearly  defined  ; 
they  been  have  cast,  and  re-cast,  in  different 
manuals.  They  are  intended  to  embrace  "  the 
Sum  of  Saving  Knowledge,"  to  be  co-extensive 
with  the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  and  to  afford 
the  greatest  Christian  liberty.  Being  the  work 
of  man  they  are  of  necessity  imperfect;  but 
the  aim  of  the  Church  is  to  correct,  improve, 
and  complete  her  testimony  for  Jesus  and 
his  truth. 

In  view  of  her  extensive  and  well  laid  foun- 
dations, the  greatness  and  stability  of  her  doc- 
trines, the  breadth  and  spirituality  of  her 
creed,  and  her  willingness  to  accept  of  that 
which  is  tried  and  sure,  the  aspersion  of  nar- 
rowness vanishes  like  the  mist  before  the 
morning,  and  even  the  cry  of  Sectarianism  is 
hushed. 

"  Be  what  thou  seemest !  Live  thy  creed  ! 
Hold  up  to  earth  the  torch  divine : 
Be  what  thou  prayest  to  be  made  ; 
Let  the  great  Master's  steps  be  thine. 


THEIR    SYSTEM    OF    FAITH.  75 

!<  Sow  truth,  if  thou  the  true  wouldst  reap ; 
Who  sows  the  false  shall  reap  the  vain  ; 
Erect  and  sound  thy  conscience  keep  ; 
From  hollow  words  and  deeds  refrain. 

"Sow  love,  and  taste  its  fruitage  pure; 
Sow  peace,  and  reap  its  harvest  bright ; 
Sow  sunbeams  on  the  rock  and  moor, 
And  find  a  harvest -home  of  light." 


76  THE    COVENANTERS   AND 


The  four  and  twenty  elders  fall  down  before 
him  that  sat  on  the  throne,  and  worship  him 
that  liveth  forever  and  ever,  and  cast  their 
crowns  before  the  throne,  saying,  Thou  art 
worthy,  0  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and  honor 
and  power:  for  thou  hast  created  all  things, 
and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and  were  created. 
— Revelation  iv :  10-11. 

Such,  if  we  may  so  speak,  are  the  insignia  of 
the  Mediator,  insignia  of  transcendent  value 
and  matchless  splendor.  No  titles  like  his 
titles  ; — no  throne  of  such  peerless  majesty  ; — 
no  crown  of  such  overpowering  radiance  ; — no 
sceptre  of  such  resistless  might; — no  laws  so 
equitable  or  beneficent; — no  retinue  so  large 
or  so  illustrious  ; — no  ministers  so  dignified ; 
— no  revenues  so  rich  ; — no  prerogatives  so 
absolute,  as  his  !  "  Who  in  the  heaven  can 
be  compared  unto  the  Lord  ?  Who  among  the 
sons  of  the  mighty  can  be  likened  unto 
him?" — Rev.  William  A.  Symington,  D.  D. 


Christ's  royal  authority.  77 

Chapter  IV. 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND   CHRIST'S 

ROYAL  AUTHORITY. 

The  Mediatorial  dominion  of  Christ  is  a 
doctrine  which  the  Covenanters  have  accepted 
with  cordial  delight,  have  maintained  with 
ardent  devotion,  and  continue  to  uphold  and 
defend  with  zealous  care.  They  appreciate 
the  entire  system  of  revealed  truth;  they 
knowingly  reject  none  of  the  inspired  teachings. 
Yet,  while  they  strive  to  be  faithful  to  all,  they 
have  a  special  interest  in  this.  The  special  in- 
terest has  been  created  by  the  combined  efforts 
of  the  world  and  Satan  and  corrupt  churches 
to  extinguish  this  superlative  doctrine,  while 
some  of  the  fiercest  charges  led  by  the  Prince 
of  Darkness  have  fallen  upon  the  Covenanter 
ranks. 

The  Covenanter  Church  regards  all  Bible 
truths  as  essential — essential  to  the  glory  of 
God  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  the  suppres- 
sion of  any  one,  even  the  least,  as  the  blotting 
out  of  a  star.  The  submerging  of  this  doctrine 
would  be  the  obliteration  of  the  sun.  The  royal 
glory  of  Jesus  Christ  is  the  brightness  of  the 
heavens  and  the  light  of  the  earth.     This  truth 


78  THE   COVENANTORS   AND 

has  had  a  greater  power  in  creating  the  spirit 
and  moulding  the  character  of  the  Covenanter 
Church  than  any  other  in  her  Testimony. 

We  love  to  linger  around  the  cross  and  speak 
of  the  atonement;  but  we  have  learned  also  to 
look  higher  and  rejoice  in  the  enthronement, 
Jesus  is  as  great  a  King  as  Priest;  and  as 
great  a  Prophet  as  either;  fills  his  threefold 
office  with  matchless  competency  and  eternal 
fitness.  As  the  communicants  of  this  Church 
arise  and  move  in  holy  procession  toward  the 
communion  table,  to  sit  down  under  the 
shadow  of  the  cross,  with  the  emblems  of  the 
Saviour's  death  in  their  presence,  they  sing,  and 
have  sung  from  time  immemorial,  in  strains  of 
solemn  joy — 

11  Ye  gates  lift  up  your  heads  ou  high, 
Ye  doors  that  last  for  aye, 
Be  lifted  up,  that  so  the  King 
Of  glory  enter  may. ' ' 

Then,  having  banquetted  with  their  Lord, 
and  renewed  their  covenant  with  him,  they 
return  to  their  pews,  lifting  up  their  souls  in 
the  royal  song — 

"  Forever  and  forever  is, 

O  God,  thy  throne  of  might ; 
The  scepter  of  thy  kingdom  is 
A  scepter  that  is  right." 


79 


And,  while  deep  emotions  are  thrilling  all 
hearts,  and  the  spiritual  powers  of  each  are  at 
high  tension,  the  gladness  and  gratitude  and 
loving  devotion  of  the  congregation  ascend  in 
the  doxology — 

' '  And  blessed  be  his  glorious  Name 
To  all  eternity  ; 
The  whole  earth  let  his  glory  fill. 
Amen,  so  let  it  be. ' ' 

The  kingship  of  Christ  is  most  clearly  taught 
in  the  Scriptures.  Many  elaborate  and  sub- 
lime descriptions  of  his  exaltation  and  coro- 
nation have  been  given  by  the  pen  of  Inspira- 
tion. We  here  produce  only  one.  It  is  found 
in  Paul's  letter  to  the  Church  at  Ephesus.  He 
records  what  the  Holy  Spirit  gave  him  to 
write.  He  says,  "  The  Father  of  glory  *  *  * 
raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  set  him  at  his 
own  right  hand  in  the  heavenly  places,  far 
above  all  principality,  and  power,  and  might, 
and  dominion,  and  every  name  that  is  named, 
not  only  in  this  world,  but  also  in  that  which 
is  to  come :  and  hath  put  all  things  under  his 
feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all 
things  to  the  church,  which  is  his  body,  the 
fulness  of  him  that  filleth  all  in  all." 

Many  such  passages  of  Holy  Writ  flash  like 


80  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

gems  in  Christ's  crown,  dazzling  with  the 
supremacy,  the  omnipotency,  the  universality, 
and  the  unparalleled  glory,  of  his  dominion. 
Some  of  the  most  august  visions  of  the  Book  of 
the  Revelation  exhibit  him  in  his  royal  char- 
acter, seated  complacently  on  his  exalted 
throne,  girded  with  the  insignia  of  power,  or 
riding  forth  in  awful  majesty. 

Christ's  grant  of  authority  and  royal  char- 
acter imply  subjection — the  subjection  of  the 
universe  to  his  sceptre,  the  cheerful  obedience 
of  all  loyal  hearts,  and  the  constrained  submis- 
sion of  all  rebellious  subjects.  Christ  reigns  by 
right  over  all ;  He  will  reign  in  fact  over  all. 
Man,  who  is  of  the  dust,  may  defy  Him  for  a 
moment,  but  soon  he  must  feel  the  weight  of 
the  rod  of  iron  which  he  defies.  Xations  may 
flaunt  the  flag  of  treason  in  his  presence,  but 
they  must  at  last  yield  to  the  power  of  the  Infi- 
nite Kingdom,  and  the  All-conquering  King. 

Great  are  the  obligations  of  loyalty  that  rest 
upon  Christ's  disciples.  Having  learned  of 
his  enthronement,  and  of  the  blessedness  of  all 
who  obey,  and  the  destruction  of  those  who 
defy,  duty  demands  that  they  honor  the  truth 
of  Christ's  sovereignty  in  every  relation  in  life, 
that  they  herald  it  throughout  the  world,  that 


AUTHORITY.  81 

they  urge  its  application  to  the  varied  condi- 
tions of  society.  The  commands  of  their  King 
reach  everywhere.  His  authority  can  nowhere 
be  ignored  without  sin  and  danger.  No  per- 
son, or  association  of  persons,  can  by  any  means 
or  effort,  pass  beyond  the  reach  of  his  sceptre, 
or  be  free  from  responsibility  under  his  gov- 
ernment. 

Obedience  to  King  Jesus  is  the  first  duty  of 
his  followers.  Loyalty  to  him  is  always  im- 
perative. Nothing  is  sufficiently  important  to 
interfere,  to  the  least  extent  or  for  a  moment, 
with  loyalty  to  Jesus.  By  this  principle  of 
fidelity  we  must  regulate  all  our  interests  in 
society.  No  sacrifice  may  be  counted  too  dear 
to  maintain  unsullied  loyalty  to  our  exalted 
Saviour.  In  upholding  this  principle,  some  of 
the  severest  trials  have  been  borne,  some  of  the 
most  straining  tests  have  been  endured,  some 
of  the  brightest  crowns  have  been  won.  Here 
some  of  the  hardest  battles  in  the  Christian 
field  have  been  fought ;  much  precious  blood 
has  been  shed  ;  many  brilliant  triumphs  over 
the  Prince  of  rebels  have  been  achieved . 

Covenanters  have  learned,  by  terrible  yet 
necessary  experience,  that  fidelity  to  their  Lord 
involves  watchfulness,  self-denial  and  tribula- 


82  THE   COVENANTERS   AND 

tion.  Loyalty  requires  more  than  personal 
obedience.  It  implies  obedience  in  connection 
with  all  organized  society.  It  implies  vigilance 
lest  society  adopt  measures  that  interfere  with 
Christ  and  conscience.  It  implies  resistance, 
moral  and  uncompromising  resistance,  of  every 
encroachment  upon  the  rights  of  Jesus.  It  im- 
plies separation  from  all  associations,  whether 
of  the  Church  or  State,  in  which  conditions  of 
membership  conflict  with  loyalty  to  Christ. 

With  this  purpose  of  loyalty  to  King  Jesus, 
burning  in  the  breast  of  our  ancestors,  they 
contended  for  all  that  is  justly  embraced  in  the 
system  of  Presbyterianism,  the  only  form  of 
church  government  in  which  Christ's  author- 
ity is  acknowledged  and  honored  without  a 
shadow  of  man's  assumption.  For  the  same 
reason  we  stand  to-day  dissenting  from  the 
civil  government  of  this  land,  and  are  pledged 
by  covenant  and  oath  to  continue  to  dissent, 
till  the  nation  make  public  recognition  of  the 
Sovereignty  of  King  Jesus.  We  refuse  to  share 
in  the  ministration  of  political  power,  while 
this  Government  acknowledges  not  God,  nor 
regards  his  Anointed  Son,  in  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution. 

The  fact  that  Jesus  reigns  is  the  hope  of  the 


CHRIST'S    ROYAL    AUTHORITY.  83 

world,  and  the  source  of  all  true  optimism. 
They  are  the  most  sanguine  concerning  the 
future,  who  grasp  this  truth  most  ardently. 
They  are  the  most  earnest  workers  in  every 
noble  reform,  whose  eyes  are  fixed  upon  the 
Throne  that  is  "  high  and  lifted  up  ;"  their 
assurance  of  success  makes  the  countenance 
glow.  However  dark  the  present  day,  how- 
ever defiant  the  powers  of  evil,  however  great 
the  wrongs  that  oppress  man,  however  frown- 
ing and  terrible  the  fortresses  of  iniquity,  there 
is  coming  a  tidal  wave  of  righteousness, 
which  will  carry  away  the  evils  of  humanity, 
like  wrecks  cast  upon  the  sea,  and  the  world 
shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord. 
Christ  the  King  has  gone  forth  to  conquer,  and 
He  will  not  turn  back,  till  his  banner  shall 
wave  over  a  ransomed  race.  He  leads  forth 
the  forces  of  truth  and  light,  and  will  not  rest 
till  every  province  of  his  great  dominion 
submit,  and  accept  his  law ;  and  from  a  joy- 
ful world  shall  ascend  the  loud  acclaim — 
"  Alleluia;  Salvation,  axd  glory,  and 
honor,  axd  power,  unto  the  lord  our 
God  :  ALLELUIA,  FOR  THE  LORD  GOD 
OMNIPOTENT  REIGNETH." 


84  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 


And  the  king  stood  by  a  pillar,  and  made '  a 
covenant  before  the  Lord,  to  walk  after  the 
Lord,  and  to  keep  his  commandments  and  his 
testimonies  and  his  statutes  with  all  their 
heart  and  all  their  soul,  to  perform  the  words 
of  this  covenant  that  were  written  in  this  book. 
And  all  the  people  stood  to  the  covenant. — 
II  Kixgs  xxiii  :  3. 

Consider  what  makes  an  oath  and  covenant 
with  God  :  First,  it  must  be  a  thing  in  itself 
lawful.  There  is  no  man  that  warrantably, 
according  to  the  \Tord  of  God,  may  swear  the 
thing  which  in  itself  is  unlawful. 

Secondly,  it  must  be  a  thing  in  itself  possi- 
ble, within  the  man's  power.  No  man  is  war- 
ranted to  swear  that  which  he  cannot  perforin. 

Thirdly,  when  we  take  the  vow  and  oath 
of  God  upon  us,  we  affix  the  name  of  the 
Lord  to  it.  We  swear  by  the  Lord.  This  (last) 
is  the  thing  that  makes  this  Covenant  the 
Covenant  of  the  Lord. — Rev.  Johx  Guthrie. 


PUBLIC    SOCIAL    COVENANTING.  85 

Chapter  V. 

THE  COVENANTERS   AND   PUBLIC 

SOCIAL  COVENANTING. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  is  to 
some  extent  distinguished  from  other  denomi- 
nations by  the  doctrine  and  practice  of  public 
social  covenanting.  This  Church  regards 
covenanting  as  an  ordinance  of  God,  the  obli- 
gations of  which  are  most  solemn  and  perma- 
nent. This  privilege  has  been  divinely  con- 
ferred upon  churches  and  nations,  all  being 
encouraged  to  enter  into  covenant  with  God 
and  to  enjoy  the  advantages  of  this  ennobling 
relation. 

Persecution  of  the  Church,  or  defection  in 
religion,  or  peril  to  the  State,  or  extraordinary 
duties  arising  from  other  providential  work- 
ings, are  the  calls  of  God  to  the  observance  of 
this  ordinance. 

Covenanting  is  a  moral  duty  resting  upon 
moral  persons;  and  a  natural  duty,  founded 
in  nature,  obligating  man  even  before  his  lapse 
into  sin,  and  in  accord  ever  since  with  all  his 
highest  interests.  Therefore,  this  ordinance 
belongs  to  no  particular  age  or  locality,  but 
extends  to  all  times  and  to  all  places.  It  is 
God's  method  of  dealing  with  the  human  race. 


80  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

Adam  and  Eve  were  placed  under  a  cove- 
nant, with  life  as  a  reward  of  obedience,  and 
death  as  the  penalty  of  unfaithfulness. 

In  the  succeeding  ages,  God  gave  a  more 
lucid  exhibition  of  this  exalted  relation,  by  en- 
tering into  covenant  with  Noah,  and  affixing 
his  seal  thereto,  the  rainbow  in  the  cloud. 

He  gave  a  still  more  brilliant  illustration  of 
it  by  becoming  the  covenant-God  of  Abraham, 
promising  the  land  of  Canaan  to  his  posterity, 
and  guiding  that  patriarch  through  all  his 
strange  pilgrimage. 

God  yet  further  unfolded  the  blessedness  of 
this  loving  relation  at  Sinai,  expressing  more 
clearly  the  duties,  evolving  more  fully  the  obli- 
gations, revealing  more  impressively  the  re- 
wards, and  declaring  more  pointedly  the  pun- 
ishments, when  Israel  was  assembled  at  the 
base  of  the  Mount,  and  in  a  most  memorable 
manner  took  the  oath,  which  bound  each  to 
obedience.  For  our  instruction  there  are  left 
on  record  other  instances,  in  which  the  people 
of  God  were  led  in  the  solemn  and  joyful  ser- 
vice of  covenanting,  by  such  men  as  Joshua, 
Jehoiada,  Josiah  and  Neheiniah. 

The  objection  may  be  urged  that  these  cove- 
nants, and  the  ordinance  of  covenanting,  be- 


PUBLIC    SOCIAL    COVENANTING.  ©i 

long  to  the  Dispensation  that  has  been  super- 
seded by  the  Gospel.  But  are  they  not  "  writ- 
ten for  our  admonition,  upon  whom  the  ends 
of  the  world  are  come  ?"  The  ordinance  and 
practice  of  covenanting  began  with  the  first 
family  of  the  human  race ;  and  why  should  they 
not  continue  while  the  earth  is  inhabited  ? 

Covenant  bonds  are  perfectly  consistent  with 
freedom  of  conscience,  and  their  permanent 
obligations  are  in  harmony  with  all  lawful 
liberty.  They  are  moral  and  bind  to  duty 
only ;  to  duty  in  the  largest  sense ;  nothing 
less,  nothing  more.  Strictness  in  duty  is  no 
restriction  of  liberty  ;  rather,  the  fullest  bounds 
thereof.  The  liberty  that  is  enjoyed  through 
laxity  may  result  in  the  methods  and  sorrows 
of  the  libertine. 

The  covenants  of  our  fathers  have  proved  to 
be  the  breakwater,  to  turn  back  the  tide  of 
civil  and  ecclesiastical  despotism.  We  have 
inherited  freedom,  because  our  ancestors  en- 
tered into  a  holy  bond  with  God,  by  whose  help 
they  obtained  victory  over  tyrants.  We  will 
retain  this  grand  heritage,  however,  and  trans- 
mit it  to  our  children,  only  by  fair  and  loyal 
dealing  with  God  and  conscience  under  our 
covenant  obligations. 


88  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

The  National  Covenant  of  Scotland,  and  the 
Solemn  League  and  Covenant  of  the  Three 
Kingdoms,  embracing  the  churches  in  those 
lands,  are  justly  acknowledged  to  be  the  most 
notable  deeds  of  the  kind  in  modern  times. 
The  spirit  of  those  Covenants,  and  the  history 
of  their  cause  and  effects,  fire  the  hearts  of  the 
faithful  descendants  of  the  subscribers,  making 
them,  though  few  in  number,  strong  in  their 
convictions  of  right,  and  fearless  in  opposing 
corrupt  institutions  and  organizations. 

Christian  nations  are  granted  the  privilege 
of  covenanting  with  God.  Then,  if  this  be  a 
privilege,  it  is  a  duty ;  a  duty  of  sublime  im- 
portance, carrying  responsibility  as  weighty  as 
the  privilege  is  extraordinary.  The  responsi- 
bility being  met  in  the  right  spirit  will  yield  a 
harvest  of  peace,  righteousness,  and  divine 
favor,  exalting  that  people  into  the  blessedness 
of  the  nation  whose  God  is  Jehovah,  and  whose 
land  is  Beulah. 

A  nation  entering  into  covenant  with  God  is 
bound  thereby,  until  the  object  sought  has 
been  gained. 

A  church  having  entered  into  covenant  with 
God  is  thereby  anchored  to  the  attainments 
from  which  she  cannot  recede,  and  pledged  to 


PUBLIC    SOCIAL    COVENANTING.  89 

greater  achievements  according  as  they  are 
embodied  in  the  written  deed. 

Individuals,  who  enter  into  such  public 
bonds,  bind  their  children  by  the  moral  prin- 
ciples of  the  covenant ;  and  the  obligations 
continue  upon  posterity  until  the  purpose  of 
the  engagement  has  been  accomplished.  Moral 
obligations  will  be  honored  by  the  honorable; 
and  can  be  ignored  by  none  without  sin. 

For  this  reason  the  Covenanters  of  America 
admit  the  binding  force  of  the  Covenants  of 
their  ancestors  of  other  centuries  and  other 
lands.  They  have  cheerfully  endorsed  the 
immutable  principles  contained  therein,  as  far 
as  they  are  applicable  in  this  country  and  to 
the  condition  of  society  in  this  age.  These 
principles  have  been  inscribed  in  the  Ameri- 
can Covenant. 

This  Church  has  received  a  heritage  of  re- 
ligious truth,  and  reform  principles,  and  pur- 
ity in  worship,  and  most  precious  liberty  in 
the  service  of  Clod.  But  all  this  furnishes  no 
occasion  for  boasting,  but  much  cause  for  fear 
and  trembling.  It  brings  serious  responsibil- 
ity. It  calls  for  self-denial,  wakeful  vigilance, 
and  great  exertion,  lest  we  be  found  unfaithful 
to  the  trust  committed  to  us  by  our  Lord. 


90  THE    COVENANTEES    AND 

The  Covenanter  Church  has  heard  the  voice 
of  her  former  Covenants,  echoing  through  the 
centuries,  and  she  has  responded.  She  honors 
her  obligations  therein ;  she  esteems  them  to  be 
holy.  She  remembers  their  original  cost ;  she 
appreciates  the  advantages  they  secured.  She 
realizes  her  accountability  for  the  accumula- 
tion of  blessings  that  have  descended  upon  her ; 
she  knows  that  she  will  be  a  betrayer  and  de- 
faulter if  she  fail  to  transmit  the  same  faith- 
fully to  posterity.  0  that  she  had  a  larger  and 
stronger  consciousness  of  these  solemn  reali- 
ties! She  has  gladly  confessed  her  relation  to 
the  former  covenants,  and  has  entered  into  the 
oath  of  a  new  bond.  0  that  she  had  still 
deeper  conviction,  and  higher  conception  of  re- 
sponsibility— conception  of  her  mission,  her 
available  strength,  and  her  assured  success,  as 
joined  to  the  Lord  in  a  perpetual  Covenant! 

The  latest  Covenant  of  the  Reformed  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  America  was  sworn  in 
1871,  by  the  Synod,  and  afterwards  by  the  con- 
gregations ;  ministers,  elders,  deacons,  and 
members,  all  in  their  different  relations,  sol- 
emnly in  the  presence  of  the  Most  High  God, 
accepting  the  great  and  enduring  obligations, 
appealing  to  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  as  to 


PUBLIC   SOCIAL    COVENANTING.  91 

their  sincerity,  having  in  view  the  blessings 
secured  by  obedience,  and  remembering  the 
retribution  inevitably  linked  to  perfidy. 

This  Covenant  has  been  embodied  in  the 
Terms  of  Ecclesiastical  Communion  in  the  Re- 
formed Presbyterian  Church. 

Thus  the  Covenanters,  by  a  public  act  in  this 
country,  have  endorsed  the  noble  documents 
of  former  ages,  and  have  thereby  placed  them- 
selves voluntarily  in  rank  with  the  disciples 
who  have  entered  into  a  solemn  oath,  and  the 
people  who  have  sworn  in  the  name  of  God,  to 
be  loyal  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  their  King 
and  Saviour. 


92  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 


And  they  shall  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be 
their  God:  and  I  will  give  them  one  heart, 
and  one  way,  that  the}7  may  fear  me  forever, 
for  the  good  of  them,  and  of  their  children 
after  them ;  and  I  will  make  an  everlasting 
covenant  with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away 
from  them  to  do  them  good. — Jeremiah  xxxii  : 
38-40. 

But  it  is,  alas !  too  apparent  that  men  have 
never  known  God  rightly,  nor  considered  that 
he  is  a  Holy  God.  Oh,  terrible  backsliding ! 
They  will  not  believe  that  God  will  call  them 
to  an  account  for  what  they  owe  him.  But 
assure  yourselves,  as  He  is  in  Heaven,  He  will 
call  every  one  to  an  account,  how  he  has  stood 
to  that  Covenant  and  work  of  Reformation.  I 
need  say  no  more  ;  but  I  would  have  you  con- 
sider, that  in  breaking  the  Covenant,  we  have 
trampled  under  foot  the  precious  truths  of 
Christ. — Andrew  Guilline,  the  Martyr. 


PERPETUAL    OBLIGATION   OF    COVENANTS.     93 

Chapter  VI. 
THE  COVENANTEES  AND  THE  PER- 
PETUAL   OBLIGATION    OF 
COVENANTS. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  believes 
that  her  public  covenants  are  of  permanent 
force.  She  acknowledges  in  her  Terms  of 
Communion,  that  the  moral  obligations  of 
such  covenants  are  perpetual,  necessarily  de- 
scending upon  posterity.  These  covenants 
pass  from  one  generation  to  another,  without 
the  least  abatement  of  their  moral  force.  The 
unborn  are  included  in  the  solemn  engage- 
ments and  bound  by  the  oath.  They  are  also 
entitled  to  the  blessings,  or  liable  to  the  penal- 
ties, as  by  obedience  or  disobedience,  each 
shall  choose  in  his  own  time. 

The  moral  obligations  of  church  covenants 
descend  upon  posterity,  because  of  the  conti- 
nuity of  the  Church's  organic  life  through  suc- 
cessive generations.  The  Church  was  ordained 
and  established  to  receive,  preserve,  enjoy,  and 
perpetuate  holy  privileges  and  obligations; 
and  to  do  this  her  personality  must  continue 
through  the  ages. 


94  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

As  the  tree  puts  forth  new  foliage  each  year, 
yet  is  the  same  tree,  so  the  Church  puts  on  new 
freshness  one  generation  after  another.  The 
beauty  of  youth  and  the  blight  of  age  follow 
each  other  incessantly,  yet  the  Church  main- 
tains her  identity  through  all  these  changes. 
Hence  the  moral  engagements  of  the  earlier 
period  of  her  existence  bind  the  later  genera- 
tions, and  will  bind  till  the  conditions  shall  be 
fulfilled.  Moral  responsibility  travels  along 
the  line  of  personality,  and  travels  as  far  and 
as  fast  as  the  person. 

The  only  way  a  person  can  satisfy  a  moral 
contract  to  which  the  second  party  holds,  is  by 
fulfilling  it,  or  going  out  of  existence.  This 
stands  true,  whether  the  person  be  a  man,  a 
church,  or  a  nation.  Moral  responsibility  at- 
taches to  personality  in  every  sphere  of  life. 
And  when  a  moral  contract  has  been  entered 
into,  repudiation  can  never  become  satisfaction. 
Neglect  is  not  payment ;  time  does  not  cancel 
the  terms  of  a  covenant.  The  repudiation  of  a 
covenant  even  with  man  is  intolerable  in 
Christian  ethics :  how  much  more  the  attempt 
to  play  the  defaulter  with  God  ?  Repudiation 
is  not  known  in  the  higher  morals. 

The  continuity  of  the  covenant  bond,  from 


PERPETUAL    OBLIGATION    OF    COVENANTS.     95 

age  to  age,  fe  clearly  illustrated  in  the  "Word  of 
God.  The  Lord  complains  against  Israel,  say- 
ing, "  This  people  hath  transgressed  my  Cove- 
nant, which  I  commanded  their  fathers."  The 
children  laid  aside  the  Covenant  of  their  ances- 
tors, disclaimed  its  privileges,  refused  its  bless- 
ings, defied  its  threatenings,  and  accepted  the 
momentous  consequences.  They  regarded  the 
solemn  engagement  as  obsolete,  altogether  out 
of  date  in  their  progressive  times.  The  holy 
principles,  the  strict  religion,  the  sworn  integ- 
rity and  the  covenanted  fidelity,  contained  and 
expressed  in  the  sacred  bond  of  their  fathers, 
they  supposed  to  have  gone  down  into  the 
sepulchre  with  those  fathers  to  moulder  with 
their  dust.  Xor  till  the  voice  of  God  aroused 
their  sleeping  conscience,  did  they  awake  to  a 
sense  of  their  responsibility  and  danger.  It 
was  too  late,  though,  to  avert  the  descending 
penalty.  God  inflicted  fearful  punishment 
upon  that  generation  as  they  gloried  in  their 
false  liberty.  This  Bible  illustration  was  given 
soon  after  the  death  of  Joshua. 

Seven  centuries  later,  the  Lord  charges  his 
people  with  breaking  "  His  Covenant  that  he 
had  made  with  their  fathers."  The  grass  had 
grown  green  over  the  graves  of  twenty  genera- 


96  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

tions,  when  the  God  of  Israel  lifted  up  his 
voice  and  his  hand  to  avenge  the  attempted 
repudiation  of  the  Covenant,  which  He  had 
established  amidst  unparalleled  displays  of 
power,  and  majesty,  and  terrible  glory,  on 
the  top  of  Sinai.  He  smote  that  people  for 
their  rebellious  spirit  and  refractory  conduct, 
so  that  they  never  recovered  from  the  merited 
calamity.  We  see  therefore,  that  public  cove- 
nants do  not  expire  with  the  lives  of  those  who 
enter  into  them.  They  descend  not  into  the 
grave  with  the  mortal  body  of  the  Covenanter. 
Upon  his  children  and  children's  children 
they  descend,  unto  remotest  generations. 

The  Covenants  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  contain  the  enduring  principles  of  the 
religion  of  Christ.  They  emphasize  the  king- 
ship of  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  enthronement  over 
the  nations,  the  subjection  of  all  powers  under 
him,  the  supremacy  of  the  Bible  as  a  rule  of 
faith  and  conduct,  and  its  authority  in  the 
decision  of  all  questions  in  religion  and  all 
issues  in  politics.  Such  principles  having  been 
secured  and  preserved  for  us  through  the  pro- 
longed struggles  of  the  past,  and  with  the  effu- 
sion o£  Christian  blood;  such  being  embodied 
in  the  Covenants  that  bind  us,  how  can  we  for- 


PERPETUAL    OBLIGATION    OF    COVENANTS.     97 

sake  these  Covenants  without  being  stigmatized 
as  moral  cowards?  How  can  we  forsake  them 
without  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  of  Jesus  cry- 
ing to  Heaven  against  us  ?  How  can  we  for- 
sake them  without  drawing  down  upon  our- 
selves and  our  children  the  holy  vengeance 
that  slumbers  in  a  violated  oath?  Consider 
the  vengeance  that  slumbers  to  awake  with 
startling  suddenness  or  like  the  soft  gathering 
of  death's  shadows  ! 

From  this  vantage  ground  of  truth  and 
right,  of  liberty  and  light,  won  at  immense 
sacrifice  of  life,  of  lives  too  precious  for  earth — 
from  this  royal  heritage,  secured  by  a  per- 
petual Covenant,  a  Covenant  stronger  than 
death,  how  can  we  retire  without  incurring  the 
displeasure  of  the  righteous  Judge?  If  our 
hearts  were  beating  with  earnest  convictions, 
our  souls  responding  to  the  high  call  of 
God,  and  our  eyes  fixed  upon  the  Com- 
mander and  Rewarder,  would  we  even  enter- 
tain the  thought  of  departing  from  the  high 
places  of  truth,  won  by  our  fathers  and 
entrusted  to  their  children  ?  The  suggestion 
is  Satan's  temptation.  Let  us  resist  it  by  the 
grace  of  God. 

But  there  is  a  Mount  Gerizim,  as  well  as  a 


98  THE    COVENANTERS    AND    THE 

Mount  Ebal ;  the  elevated  stand  from  which 
God  distributes  his  blessings,  right  in  view  of 
the  public  station  from  which  He  dispenses 
his  retributions. 

The  blessings  awarded  for  fidelity  to  the 
Covenants  are  inestimable.  Honoring  the  holy 
contract  with  God,  we  are  sure  of  large  recom- 
pense. Fidelity  lifts  the  soul  up  to  the  Lord, 
elevates  its  powers  into  highest  action,  awakens 
the  fountains  of  spiritual  life,  makes  the  graces 
of  the  heart  blossom  and  bear  fruit,  brings  us 
into  the  only  condition  in  which  we  can  have 
fullest  enjoyment  of  God;  wins  nothing  of  itself, 
but  all  things  through  the  Lord  Jesus.  Is  not 
this  a  sufficient  reward?  Is  not  this  recom- 
pense enough  on  earth  ?  Does  it  not  more  than 
offset,  a  thousand  times,  all  the  sacrifices  de- 
manded by  fidelity  ? 

Covenanting  with  God  is  merely  laying  hold 
upon  God's  Covenant.  The  Lord  has  said,  "  I 
will  be  their  God,  and  they  shall  be  my  people." 
He  has  lifted  up  his  hand,  placing  Himself 
under  the  awful  oath  which  none  but  God  could 
take,  pledging  to  his  j:>eople  in  an  everlasting- 
bond,  his  Love,  his  Son,  his  Spirit,  his  Heaven, 
his  own  Most  Glorious  Self,  all  that  He  is,  all 
that  He  has.  Is  there  not  reward  enough  in  this 


PERPETUAL    OBLIGATION    OF    COVENANTS.     99 

to  satisfy  the  largest  desires  of  the  largest  soul? 
Reward  enough  to  compensate  for  the  greatest 
sacrifices  fidelity  can  demand  in  any  age  or 
in  any  extremity  ? 

God's  Covenant  contains  an  infinitude  of 
goodness  and  mercy  and  glory.  The  Ancients 
regarded  existence  as  a  tree  that  overspread 
the  earth,  and  all  the  shining  globes  of 
space  as  fruit  upon  the  bending  branches. 
The  Covenanted  Promise,  "  I  will  be  your  God," 
is  this  tree  that  ri<e>  high,  and  spreads  afar, 
whose  branches  bend  with  all  manner  of 
blessings.  Ye,  who  are  in  holy  bonds  with 
God,  who  have  sealed  your  Covenant  with 
the  sublimest  act  of  conscience,  and  are 
endeavoring  to  honor  it  by  a  fearless  and  con- 
stant fidelity,  ye  are  sitting  under  this 
wonderful  tree,  delighting  in  its  shade,  and 
eating  its  pleasant  fruit.  Lift  up  your  eyes 
and  behold  the  skies  full  of  divine  goodness, 
and  the  earth  strewn  with  mercies, — fruit  for 
you,  and  others,  yea.  for  all  who  keep  covenant 
with  God. 


100  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 


Although  my  house  be  not  so  with  God,  yet 
he  hath  made  with  me  an  everlasting  cove- 
nant, ordered  in  all  things  and  sure :  for  this 
is  all  my  salvation,  and  all  my  desire,  although 
he  make  it  not  to  grow. — II  Samuel  xxiii  :  5. 

The  restoring  of  the  ruined  temple  of  the 
Covenanted  Reformation,  and  thereby  the 
effecting  of  a  Third  Reformation,  this  is  the 
work  of  the  present  hour,  the  work  of  every 
true  patriot,  of  every  lover  of  the  Church,  of 
every  lover  of  Christ's  Crown. — Rev.  James 
Kerr,  D.  D. 

We,  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  God, 
conformably  to  the  practice  of  the  godly  in 
former  times,  and  recognizing  all  that  is  moral 
in  the  Covenants  of  our  worthy  religious  pro- 
genitors of  the  Second  Reformation,  do  hereby 
give  ourselves  in  covenant  to  God,  to  his 
Church,  and  to  one  another. — American 
Covenant-Confession. 


THE     AMERICAN    COVENANT.  101 

Chapter    VII. 

THE  AMERICAN  COVENANT. 

We,  Ministers,  Elders,  Deacons,  and  Mem- 
bers of  The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church 
in  North  America,  with  our  hands  lifted  upT 
do  jointly  and  severally  swear  by  the  Great 
and  Dreadful  Name  of  the  Lord  Our  God: 

I.  That,  coming  into  the  presence  of  the 
Lord  God  with  a  deep  conviction  of  his  awful 
majesty  and  glory,  of  his  omniscience,  his 
purity,  his  justice  and  his  grace;  of  our  guilt 
and  total  depravity  by  nature,  and  our  utter 
inability  to  save  ourselves  from  deserved  con- 
demnation to  everlasting  punishment  ;  with 
renunciation  of  all  dependence  on  our  own 
righteousness  as  the  ground  of  pardon  and 
acceptance  with  God,  we  receive  for  ourselves 
and  for  our  children,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as 
He  is  offered  in  the  Gospel  to  be  our  Saviour — 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  be  our  Enlightener, 
Sanctifier  and  Guide — and  God,  the  Father,  to 
be  our  everlasting  Portion  ;  we  approve  and 
accept  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace  as  all  our  sal- 
vation and  desire,  and  take  the  moral  law  as 


102  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

dispensed  by  the  Mediator,  Christ,  to  be  the 
rule  of  our  life,  and  to  be  obeyed  by  us  in  all 
its  precepts  and  prohibitions. 

Aiming  to  live  for  the  glory  of  God  as  our 
chief  end,  we  will,  in  reliance  upon  God's 
grace,  and  feeling  our  inability  to  perforin  any 
spiritual  duty  in  our  own  strength,  diligently 
attend  to  searching  the  Scriptures,  religious 
conversation,  the  duties  of  the  closet,  the  house- 
hold, the  fellowship-meeting  and  the  sanctuary. 
and  will  seek  in  them  to  worship  God  in  spirit 
and  in  truth.  We  do  solemnly  promise  to 
depart  from  all  iniquity,  and  to  live  soberly, 
righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present  world, 
commending  and  encouraging,  by  'our  exam- 
ple, temperance,  charity  and  godliness. 

II.  That  after  careful  examination,  having 
embraced  the  system  of  faith,  order  and  wor- 
ship revealed  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
summarized,  as  to  doctrine,  in  the  Westminster 
Confession  and  Catechisms,  and  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Testimony,  and  as  to  order  and 
worship,  justly  set  forth  in  substance  and  out- 
line in  the  Westminster  Form  of  Church  Gov- 
ernment and  Directory  for  Worship,  we  do 
publicly    profess   and    own    this    as   the    true 


THE     AMERICAN    COVENANT.  103 

Christian  faith  and  religion,  and  the  system  of 
order  and  worship  appointed  by  Christ  for  his 
own  house,  and,  by  the  grace  of  God,  we  will 
sincerely  and  constantly  endeavor  to  under- 
stand it  more  fully,  to  hold  and  observe  it  in  its 
integrity,  and  to  transmit  the  knowledge  of 
the  same  to  posterity.  AVe  solemnly  reject 
whatever  is  known  by  us  to  be  contrary  to  the 
Word  of  God,  our  recognized  and  approved 
manuals  of  faith  and  order,  and  the  great 
principles  of  the  Protestant  Reformation.  Par- 
ticularly, we  abjure  and  condemn  Infidelity, 
under  all  its  various  aspects:  Atheism,  or  the 
denial  of  the  divine  existence ;  Pantheism,  with 
its  denial  of  the  divine  personality;  Naturalism, 
with  its  denial  of  the  divine  Providential  Gov- 
ernment; Spiritualism,  with  its  denial  of  the 
Bible  redemption ;  Indifferentism,  with  its 
denial  of  man's  responsibility;  Formalism, 
with  its  denial  of  the  power  of  godliness.  AVe 
abjure  and  condemn  Popery,  with  its  arrogant 
assumption  of  supremacy  and  infallibility  ;  its 
corrupt  and  heretical  teachings :  its  dogma  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception ;  its  hostility  to 
civil  and  religious  liberty,  to  the  progress  of 
society  in  civilization  and  intelligence,  and 
especially  its  denial,  in  common  with  infidelity, 


104 


THE     COVENANTERS    AND 


of  the  right  and  duty  of  the  State  to  educate  in 
morality  and  religion  by  the  use  of  the  Bible 
in  schools  enjoying  its  patronage  and  support. 
Believing  Presbyterianism  to  be  the  only 
divinely  instituted  form  of  government  in  the 
Christian  Church,  we  disown  and  reject  all 
other  forms  of  ecclesiastical  polity,  as  without 
authority  of  Scripture,  and  as  damaging  to 
purity,  peace  and  unity  in  the  household  of 
faith. 

We  reject  all  systems  of  false  religion  and 
will-worship,— and  with  these  all  forms  of 
secret  oath-bound  societies  and  orders,  as 
ensnaring  in  their  nature,  pernicious  in  their 
tendency,  and  perilous  to  the  liberties  of  both 
Church  and  State;  and  pledge  ourselves  to 
pray  and  labor  according  to  our  power,  that 
whatever  is  contrary  to  godliness  may  be 
removed,  and  the  Church  beautified  with  uni- 
versal conformity  to  the  law  and  will  of  her 
Divine  Head  and  Lord. 

III.  Persuaded  that  God  is  the  source  of  all 
legitimate  power ;  that  He  has  instituted  civil 
government  for  his  own  glory  and  the  good  of 
man ;  that  He  has  appointed  his  Son,  the 
Mediator,  to  headship  over  the  nations;  and 


THE    AMERICAN     COVENANT.  105 

that  the  Bible  is  the  supreme  law  and  rule  in 
national  as  in  all  other  things,  we  will  main- 
tain the  responsibility  of  nations  to  God,  the 
rightful  dominion  to  Jesus  Christ  over  the 
commonwealth,  and  the  obligation  of  nations 
to  legislate  in  conformity  with  the  written 
Word.  We  take  ourselves  sacredly  bound  to 
regulate  all  our  civil  relations,  attachments, 
professions,  and  deportment,  by  our  allegiance 
and  loyalty  to  the  Lord,  our  King,  Lawgiver, 
and  Judge :  and  by  this,  our  oath,  we  are 
pledged  to  promote  the  interests  of  public 
order  and  justice,  to  support  cheerfully  what- 
ever is  for  the  good  of  the  commonwealth  in 
which  we  dwell,  and  to  pursue  this  object  in 
all  things  not  forbidden  by  the  law  of  God,  or 
inconsistent  with  public  dissent  from  an 
unscriptural  and  immoral  civil  power. 

We  will  pray  and  labor  for  the  peace  and 
welfare  of  our  country,  and  for  its  reformation 
by  a  constitutional  recognition  of  God  as  the 
source  of  all  power,  of  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Ruler 
of  nations,  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the 
supreme  rule,  and  of  the  true  Christian  religion  ; 
and  we  will  continue  to  refuse  to  incorporate 
by  any  act,  with  the  political  body,  until  this 
blessed  reformation  has  been  secured. 


106  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

IV.  That,  believing  the  Church  to  be  one, 
and  that  all  the  saints  have  communion  with 
God  and  with  one  another  in  the  same  Cove- 
nant;  believing,  moreover,  that  schism  and 
sectarianism  are  sinful  in  themselves,  and 
inimical  to  true  religion,  and  trusting  that 
divisions  shall  cease,  and  the  people  of  God 
become  one  Catholic  Church  over  all  the  earth, 
we  will  pray  and  labor  for  the  visible  oneness 
of  the  Church  of  God  in  our  own  land  and 
throughout  the  world,  on  the  basis  of  truth 
and  of  Scriptural  order.  Considering  it  a  prin- 
cipal duty  of  our  profession  to  cultivate  a  holy 
brotherhood,  we  will  strive  to  maintain  Chris- 
tian friendship  with  pious  men  of  every  name, 
and  to  feel  and  act  as  one  with  all  in  every 
land  who  pursue  this  grand  end.  And,  as  a 
means  of  securing  this  great  result,  we  will  by 
dissemination  and  application  of  the  princi- 
ples of  truth  herein  professed,  and  by  culti- 
vating and  exercising  Christian  charity,  labor 
to  remove  stumbling-blocks,  and  to  gather 
into  one  the  scattered  and  divided  friends  of 
truth  and  righteousness. 

V.  Rejoicing  that  the  enthroned  Mediator  is 
not  only  King  in  Zion,  but  King  over  all  the 


THE     AMERICAN    COVENANT.  107 

earth,  and  recognizing  the  obligation  of  his 
command  to  go  into  all  the  world  and  preach 
the  Gospel  to  every  creature,  and  to  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  resting  with  faith  in  the  promise  of  his 
perpetual  presence  as  the  pledge  of  success,  we 
hereby  dedicate  ourselves  to  the  great  work  of 
making  known  God's  light  and  salvation 
among  the  nations,  and  to  this  end  will  labor 
that  the  Church  may  be  provided  with  an 
earnest  self-denying  and  able  ministry.  Pro- 
foundly conscious  of  past  remissness  and  neg- 
lect, we  will  henceforth  by  our  prayers,  pecu- 
niary contributions  and  personal  exertions, 
seek  the  revival  of  pure  and  imdefiled  religion, 
the  conversion  of  Jews  and  Gentiles  to  Christ, 
that  all  men  may  bs  blessed  in  Him,  and  that 
all  nations  may  call  Him  blessed. 

VI.  Committing  ourselves  with  all  our  inter- 
ests to  the  keeping  of  Him  in  whom  we  have 
believed ;  in  faithfulness  to  our  vows,  and  to 
the  Covenants  of  our  fathers,  and  to  our  chil- 
dren whom  Ave  desire  to  lead  in  the  right  ways 
of  the  Lord  ;  in  love  to  all  mankind,  especially 
to  the  household  of  faith  ;  in  obedience  to  the 


108  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

commandment  to  the  everlasting  God  to  con- 
tend earnestly  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  saints,  we  will  bear  true  testimony  in  word 
and  in  deed  for  every  known  part  of  divine 
truth,  and  for  all  the  ordinances  appointed  by 
Christ  in  his  kingdom ;  and  we  will  tenderly 
and  charitably,  but  plainly  and  decidedly, 
oppose  and  discountenance  all  and  every 
known  error,  immorality,  neglect  or  perversion 
of  divine  institutions.  Taking  as  our  example 
the  faithful  in  all  ages,  and,  most  of  all,  the 
blessed  Master  Himself,  and  with  our  eye  fixed 
upon  the  great  cloud  of  witnesses,  who  have 
sealed  with  their  blood  the  testimony  which  they 
held,  we  will  strive  to  hold  fast  the  profession 
of  our  faith  without  wavering,  in  hope  of  the 
crown  of  life  which  fadeth  not  away. 

Finally,  we  enter  upon  this  solemn  act  of  cov- 
enanting before  the  Omniscient  God  with  un- 
feigned purpose  of  paying  our  vow.  All  sinister 
and  selfish  ends  and  motives  we  solemnly  disa- 
vow, and  protest  that  we  have  no  aim  but  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  present  and  everlasting  wel- 
fare of  immortal  souls.  And  our  prayer  to  God  is 
and  shall  be  to  strengthen  us  by  his    Holy 


THE     AMERICAN    COVENANT.  109 

Spirit  to  keep  this  our  promise,  vow  and  oath, 
and  to  bless  our  humble  attempt  to  glorify  his 
name  and  honor,  his  truth  and  cause  with 
such  success  as  will  bring  salvation  to  our  own 
souls,  the  wider  spread  and  triumph  of  truth 
and  holiness,  and  the  enlargement  and  estab- 
lishment of  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom,  with  the  Father 
and  the  Spirit,  one  God,  be  glory  in  the  Church 
throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end.  Amen. 


^Sf 


110  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 


Ye  are  my  witnesses,  saith  the  Lord,  and  my 
servant  whom  I  have  chosen ;  that  ye  may 
know  and  believe  me,  and  understand  that  I 
am  he ;  before  me  there  was  no  God  formed, 
neither  shall  there  be  after  me.  I,  even  I,  am 
the  Lord  ;  and  beside  me  there  is  no  Saviour. — 
Isaiah  xliii:  10-11. 

Oh,  mother!  bless  the  Lord  that  ever  He 
gave  you  a  son,  and  flesh  and  bones,  to  be  hon- 
ored to  be  a  sufferer  for  his  precious  name, 
truths  and  interest,  cause  and  Covenant,  and 
concerns,  according  to  his  own  rule  in  his 
blessed  Word,  which  is  contained  in  the  Old  and 
New  Testaments,  agreeable  to  all  truths  con- 
tained therein.  Oh,  mother !  will  you  be 
entreated  for  his  love's  sake,  to  give  me  back 
again  to  Him  in  a  free-will  offering  ?  Oh  !  I  am 
persuaded  that  it  would  please  my  matchless 
Lord,  and  then  it  would  fare  better  with  me  and 
you  both. — John  Wharry,  The  Martyr. 


TESTIMONY    BEARING.  Ill 

Chapter  VIII. 

THE  COVENANTERS   AND   TESTIMONY 
BEARING. 

The  entire  system  of  Gospel  truth  is  the 
Church's  Testimony  in  presence  of  the  world. 
The  whole  Church  of  Christ  is  God's  authorized 
witness,  called  out  to  declare  what  she  has 
seen,  and  known,  and  received,  and  enjoyed, 
of  the  love  of  the  Father.  She  is  qualified  to 
bear  testimony  especially  to  what  has  come 
under  her  own  observation,  or  has  been  experi- 
enced in  her  own  life. 

All  Christians  do  not  equally  discharge  this 
important  duty.  The  great  majority  decline 
to  give  positive  testimony  on  controverted 
questions  of  religion.  Many  love  to  rest  quietly 
in  the  acceptance  of  salvation,  without  spiritual 
energy,  distinctive  character,  or  decisive  voice, 
to  entitle  them  to  the  name  of  witnesses. 
Their  moral  bearing  neither  commends  reli- 
gion, nor  advocates  the  claims  of  Christ. 

A  true  witness  must  j)ossess  some  strong 
traits  of  character :  intelligence,  conviction, 
devotion,  fortitude,  self-denial,  ability  to  endure 
reproach,    perseverance    against     wind    and 


112  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

tide  of  public  sentiment,  love  of  the  truth  burn- 
ing in  the  heart  more  intensely  than  the  love 
of  life.  These  are  qualities  essential  in  the 
acceptable  witness  for  Christ's  truth,  in  those 
who  would  defend  truth  at  the  world's  bar, — 
truth  as  it  redeems  man  and  glorifies  God. 
But  all  who  profess  the  faith  of  Jesus  do  not 
possess  this  array  of  Christian  virtues. 

However,  God  will  have  his  witnesses.  He 
raises  them  up  in  his  providence,  and  quali- 
fies them  by  his  Spirit.  He  gives  them  their 
commission  and  assigns  to  them  their  work. 
He  clothes  them  with  authority  and  girds  them 
with  strength.  He  illuminates  their  faces  with 
earnestness  and  assurance,  and  makes  their 
countenance  like  adamant  in  the  presence  of 
opposition. 

The  author  of  the  Apocalypse  evidently 
refers  to  these  in  his  description  of  the  "  living 
creatures."  They  have  an  intellect  that  soars 
through  the  heavens  of  spiritual  truth  like  an 
eagle  ;  a  heart  lion-like  in  moral  courage ;  the 
power  of  endurance  like  the  ox  that  toils  all 
day;  and  the  face  of  a  man,  lighted  up  and 
lifted  up  with  the  consciousness  of  a  just  cause 
and  an  approving  of  God.* 

Not  all  Christians  gird  themselves  thus  for 


TESTIMONY    BEARING.  113 

the  higher  duties  and  heavier  tasks  of  disciple- 
ship.  All  do  not  thus  prepare  by  study, 
prayer,  fasting,  self-denial,  communion  with 
Heaven,  and  constant  touch  with  the  powers  of 
the  Glory-world  ;  not  all  thus  prepare  to  "  fol- 
low the  Lamb  whithersoever  He  goeth."  But 
a  sufficient  number  is  ever  found  to  vindicate 
the  right,  and  to  accomplish  the  purpose  of 
God  in  giving  testimony.  Xor  are  they  found 
exclusively  in  any  church.  They  are  heard, 
and  felt,  in  perhaps  every  evangelical  denomi- 
nation. 

Those  earnest,  fearless,  consecrated  men 
and  women,  with  minds  illuminated,  and 
hearts  animated,  and  lives  absorbed,  and 
actions  inspired  by  a  mighty  purpose  to  ele- 
vate society  into  the  knowledge  of  God,  and 
disseminate  the  great  moral  principles  that 
shall  yet  reform  the  world,  pursuing  the  work 
of  temperance,  pure  literature,  abolition  of  war, 
Sabbath  observance,  the  sanctity  of  home, 
Christian  politics,  the  relief  of  the  poor,  or  the 
adjustment  of  labor  troubles — those  champions 
of  right  and  reform  as  they  urge  the  applica- 
tion of  Gospel  truth  to  the  varied  conditions 
and  necessities  of  society,  are  the  witnesses  of 
Jesus,  giving  unmistakable  and  practical  testi- 
mony in  the  face  of  opposing  public  sentiment. 


114  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

But  the  Covenanter  Church,  as  a  church,  is 
involved  in  a  special  service  of  witness-bear- 
ing. She  is  accredited  with  obligations  that 
have  descended  from  a  Covenanted  ancestry. 
Ages  ago,  she  ascended  the  witness-stand  at 
the  summons  of  her  Lord  and  King,  and 
placed  herself  under  the  oath  of  God,  to  give 
testimony  to  "  the  truth,  the  whole  truth, 
and  nothing  but  the  truth,"  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Through  bitter  reproach,  under  the  menace 
of  cruelty,  at  the  expense  of  liberty  and 
with  much  loss  of  life,  she  gave  testimony  with 
a  clear  voice  and  in  unmistakable  language. 
Not  only  was  the  Gospel  of  salvation  heralded 
to  man,  but  the  kingly  claims  of  Jesus  over 
both  Church  and  State. 

The  early  Covenanters  insisted  upon  the 
recognition  of  divine  authority  in  the  Church 
for  all  her  institutions,  her  government,  her 
faith,  her  worship,  her  ministry,  and  the  quali- 
fications of  her  membership.  They  also  in- 
sisted upon  the  sovereignty  of  Jesus  over 
nations,  the  duty  of  acknowledging  his  sceptre, 
and  bringing  all  political  systems  into  con- 
formity to  his  will  as  revealed  in  the  Scrip- 
tures. They  advocated  the  truths  of  these 
claims    of    Christ,  amidst   repeated   and   pro- 


TESTIMONY    BEARING.  115 

longed  persecutions.  The  witnesses  were  slain 
by  thousands,  but  other  thousands  arose  in  their 
stead.  Many  voices  were  silenced  by  the  axe, 
the  fire,  the  gibbet,  and  the  gun,  but  other 
voices  fearlessly  took  up  the  testimony. 

Covenanters  are,  by  the  permanency  of  their 
Covenants,  qualified  witnesses.  Covenant  obli- 
gations wear  not  out  with  age.  They  descend 
upon  posterity.  By  virtue  of  our  Covenants, 
our  Church  is  still  on  the  witness-stand,  on  the 
same  old  witness-stand,  and  under  the  same 
awe-inspiring  oath.  She  cannot  escape  the 
duty  of  declaring  those  royal  truths  of  God, 
that  are  held  in  abeyance  by  many  churches, 
and  rejected  by  all  nations.  The  authority  of 
God  over  the  whole  race  of  man,  the  rights  of 
Jesus  as  the  "Governor  among  the  nations," 
the  supremacy  of  the  Bible  as  the  source 
of  wisdom  and  law  to  regulate  society  in 
every  relation — these  are  the  truths  that  are 
perilously  neglected  and  criminally  rejected; 
these  are  the  truths  that  have  need  of  wit- 
nesses who  cannot  be  silenced  ;  truths  that  are 
fundamental  and  all-important  to  the  great 
interests  of  humanity. 

The  sweet  and  easy  doctrines  of  salvation 
through  the  death  of  Christ  have  millions  of 


11G  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

witnesses ;  no  lack  of  testimony  on  points  so 
pleasant  and  readily  accepted.  But  the  truths 
that  hring  man  into  subjection  and  compel  his 
proud  spirit  to  bend,  that  strike  against  the 
infidelity  of  organized  society  and  the  strong 
citadels  of  Satan,  that  place  nations,  their 
institutions  and  officials,  under  law  to  the 
Divine  Ruler,  such  truths  are  not  acceptable  to 
the  natural  heart ;  such  truths  are  despised  by 
a  rebellious  world ;  such  truths  are  lightly 
esteemed  by  multitudes  of  professing  Chris- 
tians. These  are  the  truths,  therefore,  which  in 
our  day,  call  loudly  for  witnesses,  and  demand 
most  vigorous  and  undeviating  testimony. 

The  Covenanter  Church  is  on  the  witness- 
stand.  She  was  placed  there  ages  ago  by  her 
Lord.  She  has  been  continued  there  in  Provi- 
dence under  her  covenant  oath.  Let  her  there- 
fore give  testimony  to  the  truth  without  fear  or 
hesitancy.  Let  not  her  voice  weaken  or  falter; 
let  not  her  language  vary ;  let  not  her  message 
be  suppressed.  Her  position  and  service  imply 
self-denial  and  sacrifice,  but  experience  has 
taught  her  to  shrink  from  neither. 

The  members  of  the  Covenanter  Church 
may  not  all  be  imbued  with  the  spirit,  or  pos- 
sessed of  the  qualifications,  of  the  public  wit- 


TESTIMONY    BEARING.  117 

ness.  Bat  they  all  occupy  a  prominent  position, 
b}'  connection  with  this  Church,  where  the  moral 
force  of  their  religion  is  in  itself  a  testimony  in 
behalf  of  the  controverted  truths  of  Christ. 
Conscientiousness  is  their  clear  earnest  voice. 
Consistency  speaks  with  greater  force  than 
the  most  eloquent  tongue ;  quiet  fidelity  to 
principle  is  often  the  most  daring  courage. 

Grave  responsibility  rests  upon  Covenanted 
ministers,  in  inspiring,  instructing,  and  leading 
forward,  the  witnesses  of  Jesus  placed  under 
their  charge.  The  congregation  justly  expects 
the  pastor  to  stand  in  front,  and  advocate  the 
truth  against  all  adverse  opinions  and  oppos- 
ing powers.  The  people  expect  him  to  move 
in  the  front  of  the  battle,  covered  with  the 
armor  of  the  Gospel,  receiving  the  missiles  of 
the  foe  unharmed,  and  returning  the  fire  in  an 
effective  manner.  They  naturally  expect  him 
to  defend  the  cause,  which  they  and  he  have 
espoused,  against  all  odds  :  and,  by  a  consistent 
life,  wise  address,  faithful  preaching  and  con- 
victing logic,  to  herald  the  royal  truths 
and  moral  principles,  that  shine  in  Christ's 
diadem  like  gems,  and  gleam  across  the  world 
like  the  dawn  of  the  Millennial  morning. 

The  congregation  instinctively  looks  to  the 


118  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

pastor  for  instruction,  for  encouragement,  and 
for  a  worthy  example.  The  covenanted  min- 
ister who  refuses  to  lead  faithfully,  preach 
earnestly,  teach  diligently,  and  defend  zeal- 
ously, the  Reformation  truths,  which  are  the 
glory  of  the  Eternal  King  and  the  hope  of  all 
nations,  forgets  that  he  is  on  the  witness-stand, 
and  under  the  oath  of  God;  and  he  may  well 
fear  the  woe  pronounced  against  the  perfidious 
prophet. 

The  witnesses  of  Jesus  shall  prevail.  They 
who  are  thus  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
Master  shall  be  rewarded  with  success.  The 
cause  they  maintain  shall  triumph.  "  And 
they  overcame  him  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb, 
and  by  the  word  of  their  testimony ;  and  they 
loved  not  their  lives  unto  the  death."  "  Be 
thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a 
crown  of  life." 

"  O  !  'tis  in  grand  and  stirring  times, 
The  Master  bids  yon  serve  Him  : 
And  he,  who  now  would  do  His  work, 
To  earnest  toil  must  nerve  him. 

"Therefore  be  strong  :  for  duties  wait. 
Be  calm  :  for  they  may  try  thee. 
And  the  Lord  whose  work  you  do,  will  still, 
With  strength  for  each  supply  thee  ! 


TESTIMONY    BEARING.  119 

Stand,  where  the  old  Reformers  stood ! 

Nor  fear  to  take  their  station. 
The  cause  for  which  they  shed  their  blood, 

May  need  thine  attestation. 

;  Stand  for  the  Truth  !  and  when  he  comes, 

Whose  standard  thou  art  bearing, 
As  thou  hast  borne  the  cross,  thou  shalt 

A  Crown  of  Life  be  wearing." 


— QJ£i^.,G£)i£9— 


120  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words : 
for  because  of  these  things  cometh  the  wrath 
of  God  upon  the  children  of  disobedience.  Be 
not  ye  therefore  partakers  with  them.  For  ye 
were  sometimes  darkness,  but  now  are  ye  light 
in  the  Lord  :  walk  as  children  of  light ;  (for  the 
fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  goodness  and  right- 
eousness and  truth) ;  proving  what  is  accept- 
able unto  the  Lord.  And  have  no  fellowship 
with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  but 
rather  reprove  them. — Ephesians  v  :  6-11. 

The  friends  of  truth,  the  subjects  of  him 
who  is  King  in  Zion,  must  stand  prepared  to 
surrender  the  applause  of  man,  whose  "  breath 
is  in  his  nostrils ;"  must  value,  above  every- 
thing, the  approbation  of  the  Almighty ;  and 
aim,  at  all  times,  at  being  able  to  say  in  sin- 
cerity, "  We  serve  the  Lord  Christ."  By  tak- 
ing a  decided  stand  on  their  own  proper 
ground,  without  being  moved  from  it  by  the 
dread  of  singularity,  and  without  suffering 
themselves  to  be  swallowed  up  in  the  devour- 
ing vortex  of  party  strife,  or  of  latitudinarian 
indifference,  their  very  position  will  carry  in  it 
a  distinct  and  palpable  testimony  for  the  truth 
as  it  is  in  Jesus. — Rev.  William  Syming- 
ton, D.  D. 


POLITICAL     DISSENT.  121 

Chapter  IX. 

THE    COVENANTERS    AND   POLITICAL 
DISSENT. 

The  relation  which  Covenanters  sustain  to 
Civil  Government,  is  clearly  expressed  in  their 
Testimony.  It  has  also  been  repeatedly  ex- 
plained in  the  deliverances  of  their  Synod.  It 
cannot  be  misunderstood  by  any  who  have  a 
wish  to  know. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  is  a 
friend  of  all  true  government.  She  cordially 
commends,  and  steadily  upholds,  and  with  all 
her  moral  strength  defends  civil  authority, 
when  it  is  based  upon  Bible  principles,  and 
administered  according  to  them.  She  recog- 
nizes the  State,  when  constituted  in  harmony 
witli  divine  requirements,  as  God's  ordinance, 
clothed  with  dignity,  invested  with  sacred 
majesty,  and  commanding  the  admiration  and 
allegiance  of  all  good  people. 

But  the  State  that  disowns  God  and  makes  no 
acknowledgment  of  Christ  as  the  Great  King, 
that  ignores  the  authority  of  the  Infallible 
Law,  and  confesses  no  responsibility  to  the 
Eternal   Throne,  that  State  cannot   command 


122  THE    COVENANTEES    AND 

the  unqualified  allegiance  of  Christians.  Yea, 
the  followers  of  Jesus  are  necessitated  to  sepa- 
rate themselves  from  such  a  compact  of  govern- 
ment. They  must  refuse  upon  the  grounds  of 
honor,  conscience,  and  consistency^ to  he  iden- 
tified by  oath  or  ballot  with  such  a  political 
system.  To  become  a  party  therein  would 
involve  them  in  strange  relations  and  impli- 
cate them  in  great  wrongs. 

Loyalty  to  Christ,  therefore,  and 'loyalty  to 
country,  equally  enjoin  the  duty  of'  dissent 
from  a  government  founded  upon  immoral  or 
infidel  principles ;— loyalty  to  Christ,  for  no 
power  on  earth  may  interfere  with  purest  de- 
votion to  the  Lord  ;— loyalty  to  country,  for 
the  nation  that  disowns  God  thereby  imperils 
her  own  life. 

The  Government  of  the  United  States  con- 
tains these  radical  and  humiliating  defects. 
The  Federal  Constitution  makes  no  mention 
of  God;  contains  no  recognition  of  the  en- 
throned Messiah  ;  accepts  not  the  Scriptures  as 
containing  the  supreme  law  for  nations.  While 
many  excellent  features  exist  in  this  Constitu- 
tion, while  it  is  an  admirable  system  of  justice 
between  man  and  man,  and  a  profound  expo- 
sition of  Eepublican  principles,  yet,  unfortu- 


POLITICAL     DISSENT.  123 

nately,  it  looks  no  higher  than  the  horizon.  Its 
countenance  catches  none  of  the  benign  rays 
of  Heaven.  It  is  silent  concerning  the  honors, 
the  rights,  and  the  powers  of  God,  which  are 
inseparably  linked  to  the  interests  of  human- 
ity, and  connected  with  the  duty  and  destiny 
of  nations.  It  contains  no  reference  to  the 
homage  and  obedience  due  the  Ruler  of  the 
Universe.  Therefore,  Covenanters  dissent  from 
this  Constitution  of  government,  and  refuse  to 
use  the  elective  franchise,  or  share  in  the 
administration  of  civil  power. 

This  they  do  voluntarily  :  yet  is  it  of  moral 
necessity.  They  subordinate  their  rights  as 
citizens  to  their  obligations  as  Christians. 
With  them,  Christianity  is  higher  than  poli- 
tics. However  ardently  they  love  their  coun- 
try, they  love  their  Redeemer  more.  Their 
fidelity  to  Jesus,  the  King  of  nations,  and 
their  advocacy  of  his  royal  claims  are  by  no 
means  least  among  the  evidences  of  their 
patriotism,  and  the  best  proofs  of  devotion  to 
the  country's  highest  good. 

Also,  so  far  as  we  have  discovered,  practical 
dissent  is  the  only  way  of  escape  from  the 
moral  pollution  flowing  from  the  great  defects 
in  our  political  system.     In  harmony  with  the 


124  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

false  principles  of  morality  upon  which  the 
Constitution  is  based,  many  crimes  against 
God  and  humanity  are  legalized,  sustained, 
defended,  and  practiced  by  the  nation  in  its 
organized  capacity. 

The  Federal  laws  authorize  the  desecration 
of  the  Sabbath  day  by  the  Postal  Service.  The 
monstrous  system  of  saloons,  breweries  and 
distilleries,  is  recognized  in  the  civil  courts  and 
protected  by  them.  The  code  of  marriage  and 
divorce  in  various  States  nullifies  the  com- 
mandment of  Jesus  Christ.  Freemasonry  and 
other  immoral  institutions  are  created  and 
sustained  by  the  State.  In  the  face  of  such 
facts,  how  can  a  voting  Christian  be  clean? 
How  can  he  be  free  from  these  shameful  iniq- 
uities? How  can  he  be  innocent  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  world  and  of  his  Judge?  How 
can  he  escape  the  reproof  of  conscience  and  the 
brand  of  inconsistency  in  his  religion  ?  How 
can  he  claim  to  be  loyal  to  his  Divine  Master, 
while  he  is  one  with  the  Government  which 
perpetrates  these  wrongs  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  in  defiance  of  his  authority  ?  And — 0 
deathless  Conscience,  give  answer — how  can 
he  expect  to  escape  righteous  retribution  ? 
Separation  is  the  only  way  of  guiltlessness 


POLITICAL     DISSENT.  125 

in  these  matters  that  we  have  yet  discovered. 
Therefore,  the  Covenanter  Church  has  con- 
stantly refused  to  allow  her  members  to  bring 
evil  upon  themselves,  and  to  increase  the 
nation's  guilt,  by  sharing  in  civil  services  and 
political  honors.  The  one  political  right 
which  they  can  consistently  use,  and  which 
they  must  continue  to  use  while  the  Govern- 
ment is  established  as  at  present,  is  the  right 
of  dissent. 

But  this  dissent  cannot  be  exercised  hon- 
estly without  being  accompanied  with  a  most 
vigorous  protest.  The  evil  is  not  to  be  quietly 
escaped,  but  persistently  exposed  and  emphati- 
cally denounced.  The  great  omission  in  the 
nation's  Constitution  is  an  offence  against  the 
Majesty  of  Heaven  ;  it  is  a  menace  to  the  very 
life  of  the  republic  ;  it  is  a  sin  of  enormous 
proportions.  It  is  prolific  of  many  and  mon- 
strous evils,  and  the  legal  stronghold  of  the  ene- 
mies of  Christianity.  It  hinders  the  progress 
of  all  moral  reforms,  overshadows  the  land 
with  the  wrath  of  God,  and  calls  forth  judg- 
ments with  ruinous  effect  upon  property  and 
population.  It  is  a  standing  insult  against 
the  Lord  Jesus,  the  Governor  among  the  na- 
tions.    Therefore,  they  who  are  true  to  their 


126  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

God  and  country  cannot  hold  their  peace ;  they 
must  utter  their  protest  against  the  great  evil 
which  defies  the  Lord  and  darkens  the  land. 

Here  is  the  most  arduous  task  of  patriotism. 
There  can  be  no  severer  test  of  loyalty  to  the 
country  than  this.  But  it  is  a  test  which  the 
members  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church 
cheerfully  meet.  They  testify  against  the  moral 
defects  of  the  nation's  Constitution  of  govern- 
ment. They  expose  the  sin,  and  tremble  at 
the  thought  of  divine  vengeance.  With  united 
voice  they  proclaim  the  blessedness  "  of  the 
nation  whose  God  is  the  Lord,"  and  assert  the 
danger  of  the  nation  that  "  forgets  God." 

This  attitude  toward  our  beloved  country  is 
often  misunderstood,  if  not  misrepresented,  as 
being  unpatriotic.  But  neither  apathy  nor 
indifference  is  the  cause.  Some  remain  away 
from  the  polls  because  they  are  immersed  in 
business  ;  others  because  they  are  wanting  in 
devotion  to  their  country  ;  not  so  with  the  man 
who  dissents  in  the  true  spirit  of  the  Cove- 
nanter. His  strong  conviction  of  duty  in  his 
civil  and  political  relations  permits  no  indiffer- 
ence to  the  nation's  weal  or  woe,  either  at  elec- 
tion time,  or  on  any  other  occasion. 

Nor  is   the  attitude  of  dissent  the  result  of 


POLITICAL     DISSENT.  127 

despair  as  to  the  possibility  of  reform.  Not  a 
few  earnest  Christians  believe  that  human 
nature  is  so  corrupt,  and  politics  are  so  immoral 
and  degraded,  that  there  is  no  hope  of  refor- 
mation, till  the  Lord  himself  shall  come  and 
take  to  him  his  Kingdom.  These  wait  and 
look  for  his  personal  and  visible  coming.  But 
the  true  dissenter  is  a  hopeful  worker.  He  is 
an  active  political  toiler,  though  he  becomes 
not  a  zealous  partisan,  neither  mounts  the 
platform  during  the  campaign,  nor  yet  casts  a 
ballot  at  the  close  of  the  struggle.  He  never 
despairs  of  the  republic.  He  labors  steadily 
for  its  reformation  in  ways  that  require  more 
effort  and  sacrifice,  and  are  more  permanently 
efficient,  than  the  spasmodic  energies  of  a 
voter's  campaign. 

Dissent,  when  based  upon  just  grounds, 
and  offered  with  intelligence,  indicates  love 
of  country  of  the  purest  type.  It  is  not  that 
kind  of  patriotism  that  shoulders  a  flaring 
lamp,  and  tramps  the  streets,  and  howls 
itself  hoarse.  It  has  less  passionate  demon- 
stration, but  more  intelligent  zeal.  It  thinks 
of  the  nation's  sins  and  the  nation's  dan- 
ger. It  thinks  of  the  truth,  that  "  sin  is  a 
reproach  to  any  people,"   and  that   dishonor 


128  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

done  to  Christ  will  surely  bring  dishonor  to 
the  commonwealth.  It  bears  in  mind  that  the 
Christian  who  strikes  hands  in  most  solemn 
compact  with  the  enemies  of  Christ,  to  admin- 
ister the  government  of  the  country  on  a  basis 
that  ignores  God's  law,  is  not  only  dishonor- 
ing his  Royal  Master,  but  also  digging  the 
grave  of  the  nation  he  professes  to  serve. 

If  our  country  shall  be  saved  from  the  moral 
evils  that   threaten  her  life,'  it   will   only   be 
through  a  radical  change  of  the  compact  which 
binds  Christ's  followers  in   unholy  agreement 
with  political  atheism  and  infidelity.     To  agree 
to  administer  civil  government  over  a  nation, 
largely  made  up  of  Christians,  and  enjoying 
greatest  Christian  freedom,  with  the  name  of 
God  unrecognized  in  the  fundamental  law,  and 
the  Lord's  Authority,  and  the  Lord's  Day,  and 
the  Lord's  Book,  constitutionally  ignored  and 
dishonored,  is  certainly  unworthy  of  the  disci- 
pies  of  Jesus,  and  a  blot  on  true  patriotism. 
Both    patriotism    and    religion,    with    united 
voice  and  earnest  call,  demand  separation  from 
a  political   system,  that  bars  out  the  law   of 
Christ,  and  Christ  himself,  who  is  KING  OF 
KINGS,  AND  LORD  OF  LORDS.    Therefore, 
Covenanters  withdraw  from  the  Government  of 


POLITICAL     DISSENT.  129 

this  country  by  political  dissent,  and  decline  to 
take  any  responsible  part  in  the  administration 
of  civil  power. 

Covenanters  are  in  full  accord  with  the 
Republican  form  of  government.  They  are 
devoted  to  this  Republic.  They  sustain  all 
just  laws  most  heartily,  and  most  cheerfully 
pay  their  taxes.  In  the  day  of  their  country's 
peril,  they  offered  their  lives  upon  the  battle- 
field, and  only  on  the  side  of  the  Union.  As 
they  stood  in  the  front  during  the  Abolition 
struggle,  they  were  ready  to  march  to  the  front, 
to  assist  in  subduing  the  Rebellion.  As  citi- 
zens and  patriots  they  can  be  accused  of  only 
one  irregularity — they  cast  no  ballot.  But  for 
this  they  are  ready  to  assign  their  reason — the 
ballot  implicates  in  the  wrongs  of  the  Govern- 
ment; and  they  express  their  hope — the  Gov- 
ernment will  yet  be  established  upon  correct 
moral  principles,  and  administered  in  harmony 
with  the  "Will  of  God.     God  speed  the  day ! 


-^iSt/lfyytf/1/Ts^ 


130  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

But  be  filled  with  the  Spirit;  speaking  to 
yourselves  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual 
songs,  singing  and  making  melody  in  your 
heart  to  the  Lord,  giving  thanks  always  for  all 
things  unto  God  and  the  Father,  in  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. — Ephesians  v  :  18-20. 

Oh,  my  soul!  that  thou  couldst  tell  how 
thou  hast  been  enlarged  into  the  liberty  of 
divine  thought,  and  borne  upon  the  wings  of 
contemplation  beyond  the  bounds  of  time  and 
space,  wrapt  into  the  mysteries  of  the  divine 
life,  and  with  a  strong  heart  and  serene  coun- 
tenance, brought  back  to  fight  and  to  finish 
the  warfare,  till  thy  change  come,  by  the  glori- 
ous representations  of  Jehovah  and  his  acts, 
contained  in  the  book  of  psalms,  which  truhy 
are  the  fiery  chariot,  the  vehicle  sent  from 
God  to  carry  the  saints  into  the  third  Heavens, 
that  they  may  breathe  an  imperial  air,  and 
return  lightened  of  their  troubles,  and  quick- 
ened in  their  spirit,  to  finish  the  heavy  work 
which  God  hath  given  them  to  do  ! — Rev. 
Edward  Irving,  D.  D. 


DIVINE    PSALMODY.  131 

Chapter  X. 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND  DIVINE 
PSALMODY. 

The  Inspired  Psalter  has  been  accepted,  and 
is  used,  by  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church, 
as  the  only  Book  of  Divine  Praise.  The  Psalms 
of  the  Bible  comprise  the  only  collection  of 
poems  or  lyrics  God  has  given  to  his  Church 
to  be  employed  in  the  service  of  worship. 
There  is  no  other  book  of  praise  among  the 
many  used  by  the  churches,  that  can  be  termed 
pure,  complete,  and  infallible,  because  no  other 
bears  the  seal  of  holy  inspiration. 

God  most  carefully  ordained,  and  most  zeal- 
ously guarded,  the  service  of  worship  in  his 
ancient  Church.  He  specifically  mentioned 
everything  essential,  in  the  construction  of  the 
ark,  the  compounding  of  the  incense,  and  the 
offering  of  the  sacrifices.  He  specified  most 
unmistakably  what  ought  to  be  done,  and  what 
ought  to  be  offered.  His  instructions  were 
nearly  all  positive  ;  seldom  were  they  negative. 
He  gave  a  list  of  the  acceptable  sacrifices.  He 
left  no  doubt  as  to  what  He  would  receive  ; 
nor  did  He  empower  any  man  to  select  what 


132  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

had  not  been  mentioned.  He  taught  the  peo- 
ple that  whatsoever  was  not  on  the  authorized 
list  of  sacrifices  was  declined,  condemned  and 
abhorred.  He  threw  around  his  system  of 
worship  a  prohibition  that  flamed  with  divine 
jealousy,  saying,.  "  Ye  shall  offer  no  strange 
incense  thereon,  nor  burnt  sacrifice,  nor  meat 
offering." 

Thus  an  infallible  and  immutable  principle 
has  been  divinely  established  to  protect  the 
Church  of  God  from  corruption,  and  the  wor- 
ship of  God  from  man's  interference ;  and  this 
principle  is — "  What  God  has  not  commanded 

TO  BE  USED  IN  HIS  WOESHIP,  HE  HAS  FOR- 
BIDDEN." 

Any  deviation  from  this  principle  is  a  flood- 
gate, which  opens  wider  and  wider,  by  the  force 
of  the  flood  itself — the  torrent  of  human  pre- 
sumption and  cardinal  suggestions.  Through 
it  have  come  the  unauthorized  customs  and  ser- 
vices which  prevail  in  many  evangelical 
churches,  and  all  the  abominations  that  have 
overswept  the  Church  of  Rome. 

What  shall  we  sing  in  the  worship  of  God  ? 
The  question  is  of  more  than  ordinary  signifi- 
cance. The  nature  of  the  answer  touches  upon 
most  precious  interests.     The  earnest  worshiper 


DIVINE     PSALMODY.  133 

cannot  be  indifferent.  God  has  said,  "  I 
will  be  sanctified  in  them  that  come  nigh  me, 
and  before  all  the  people  I  will  be  glorified." 
Yea.  God  will  be  sanctified  in  them  that  come 
nigh  him,  though  it  be  in  the  ashes  of  the 
reckless  sons  of  Aaron. 

God  is  holy.  The  angels  "  veil  their  faces  " 
before  him.  Moses  trembled  exceedingly,  and 
quaked  in  his  presence.  "  The  hills  melted 
like  wax  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord.''  The 
Scriptures  flash  with  expressions  of  the  terri- 
bleness  of  his  glory,  but  as  the  Poet  says, 

"  Fools  rush  in  where  angels  fear  to  tread." 

Nadab  and  Abihu  ventured  to  offer  what 
was  not  commanded  ;  Korah,  Dathan  and 
Abiram  tried  to  introduce  new  methods  of 
worship  :  Uzza  and  Uzziah  attempted  without 
warrant  to  do  official  service  to  God  ;  and  these 
unwise,  self-willed  men  became  examples  of 
warning — most  impressive  illustrations  of  God's 
jealousy  in  guarding  his  own  service  of  praise. 
The  Psalms  passed  triumphantly  from  the 
Old  Dispensation  to  the  Xew  on  the  lips  of 
Jesus.  He  closed  the  Economy  of  Sacrifices, 
and  opened  the  Era  of  the  Gospel,  by  singing  a 
hymn,  which  is  recognized  by  students  of  the 


134  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

Bible  as  the  118th  Psalm,  the  last  of  the  Greater 
Hallel,  sung  at  the  Passover ;  and  from  them 
till  now  the  Psalms  have  been  the  Gospel 
Psalter. 

Kurts,  the  eminent  historian,  records  that 
the  Psalms  of  the  Bible  were  used  in  the  early 
Christian  Church;  and  the  hymns  of  man 
were  introduced  by  the  Gnostics,  Arians,  Don- 
atists,  and  other  errorists,  to  propagate  their 
mischievous  doctrines.  He  also  relates  that 
the  great  Council  held  in  Laodicea,  in  360  A.D., 
interdicted  the  use  of  unauthorized  songs. 

Jerome,  one  of  the  Christian  fathers,  writes : — 
"  You  could  not  go  into  the  fields,  but  you 
might  hear  the  ploughman  at  his  hallelujahs, 
and  the  vine-dresser  chanting  the  Psalms  of 
David." 

The  Apostolic  Constitution  is  a  little  book, 
written  about  the  fourth  century,  which  says: 
"The  women,  and  children,  and  humblest 
mechanics  could  repeat  all  the  Psalms  of 
David ;  they  chanted  them  at  home  and 
abroad ;  they  made  them  the  exercise  of  their 
piety,  and  the  refreshment  of  their  minds." 

Chrysostom,  one  of  the  Church's  greatest 
scholars  and  orators,  living  in  the  early  days 
of  Christianity,  leaves  this  testimony:     "All 


DIVINE     PSALMODY.  135 

Christians  employ  themselves  more  in  the 
Psalms  of  David  than  in  any  other  part  of  the 
Old  or  New  Testament.  The  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  hath  so  ordered  it.  that  they  should 
be  recited  and  sung  day  and  night,  in  the 
Church's  service,  the  first,  the  middle,  and  the 
last." 

During  later  centuries,  the  Psalms  were  the 
martial  songs,  which  inspired  the  people  of 
God  to  "  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,"  and 
"endure  hardness  as  soldiers  of  the  cross," 
amidst  scenes  of  blood,  while  the  persecutor 
carried  forward  his  nefarious  work  without 
hindrance.  The  Waldenses  sung  them  "  amid 
the  Alpine  snows,  where  the  mountains  lift  up 
their  glittering  heads  above  the  verdant  val- 
leys, and  in  their  awful  grandeur  impress  the 
humble  cottagers  with  the  majesty  of  the  great 
Creator."  The  music  of  the  Psalms  arose  from 
the  communicants  assembled  around  the  Lord's 
table  under  the  shadows  of  Scotland's  moun- 
tains: again,  it  was  muffled  and  suppressed 
within  the  cold  damp  caves.  But  why  multiply 
tributes  and  testimony  ?  The  preciousness  of 
the  Psalter  of  God  is  its  own  tribute ;  the  fact 
that  it  survives  is  its  own  testimony. 

The  Book  of  the  Psalms  is  the  very  heart  of 


136  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

the  Bible.  And  what  a  wonderful  heart !  Liv- 
ing, throbbing,  vigorous,  beating  with  the 
healthy  pulsations  of  spiritual  life  and  human 
experience ;  such  is  the  heart  God  has  given  to 
his  own  Book. 

Athanasius  calls  the  Psalms  "  The  Epitome 
of  the  Whole  Scriptures."  Basil  calls  them  a 
"  Compendium  of  Theology."  Luther  calls 
them  "A  Little  Bible."  "  Melancthon  calls 
them  "The  Most  Eloquent  Writing  in  the 
World."  Caldwell,  the  commentator,  has  said: 
"  In  their  descriptions  of  God,  and  nature,  and 
man,  they  stand  alone.  They  are  not  only  a 
field  of  jewels,  but  a  mine  of  wealth,  and  the 
deeper  you  dig,  the  richer  the  stores  of  trea- 
sures." His  walks  through  them  were  to  him 
as  through  a  garden,  where  the  farther  you  go, 
the  richer  the  flowers  become  in  fragrance  and 
color. 

Such  is  the  pure,  complete,  and  infallible 
Book  which  God  has  given  to  his  Church  for 
the  service  of  praise  ;  and  the  glory  of  the  Book 
is  Jesus,  who  is  found  everywhere  among  these 
lofty  verses.  Let  it,  therefore,  be  used  without 
a  rival  by  those  who  honor  the  Lord's  wisdom 
in  its  appointment. 

The  Psalter  is  marked  with  widest  variation 


DIVINE     PSALMODY.  137 

of  sentiment  and  expression.  The  whole 
breadth  of  human  experience  is  vividly  de- 
scribed. Each  singer  can  find  his  own  life 
most  accurately  depicted,  his  heart  revealed, 
his  sorrows  expressed,  his  hopes  anticipated, 
his  prayers  indited,  and  his  joys  set  to  music. 
"  From  the  tones  of  sorrow  and  suffering  which 
pervade  their  earlier  portions,  we  are  gradually 
borne  on,  amid  alternate  conflicts  and  triumphs, 
through  mournful  complaints  into  greatest 
confidence.  As  we  approach  the  close,  the 
tones  of  sorrow  grow  feebler,  and  those  of 
praise  wax  louder  and  stronger,  till,  in  the 
exulting  strains  of  the  last  Psalm,  the  chorus 
of  earth  mingles  with  the  Hallelujahs  of  the 
multitude,  which  no  man  can  number,  in  the 
Sanctuarv  above." 


138  THE    COVENANTERS 


Let  thine  eyes  look  right  on,  and  let  thine 
eyelids  look  straight  before  thee.  Ponder  the 
path  of  thy  feet,  and  let  all  thy  ways  be  estab- 
lished. Turn  not  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the 
left;  remove  thy  foot  from  evil. — Proverbs 
iv  :  25-27. 

The  reason  of  their  declining  all  discussion, 
and  resorting  to  threats  of  violence,  is  manifest 
enough.  It  is  sagacious  in  them  to  keep  in 
the  dark,  and  to  awe  people,  if  they  can,  by 
threats;  because  they  have  no  argument,  no 
history,  no  anything  that  can  justify  them  in 
the  course  they  take.  Shame  on  an  institution 
that  resorts  to  such  a  defence  as  this !  But  it 
cannot  live  where  the  press  and  speech  are 
free ;  and  this  its  defenders  know  right  well. — 
Rev.  C.  G.  Finney,  D.  D. 


AND   SECKET   ORDERS.  139 

Chapter  XL 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND  SECRET 
ORDERS. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  has  been 
uniformly  opposed  to  oath -bound  Secret  Socie- 
ties. Her  Testimony  is  explicit,  her  position 
decisive,  and  her  practice  unchanging,  against 
all  forms  of  such  fraternities. 

The  basis-term  of  her  communion,  "  That 
the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments 
are  the  Word  of  God,  and  the  only  Rule  of  faith 
and  manners,"  pledges  her  to  such  doctrines 
and  principles  as  must  eventually  and  com- 
pletely subvert  and  eradicate  all  these  Orders 
from  the  social  system. 

These  societies  are  unlawful  because  of  their 
secrecy.  Their  secrecy  is  not  in  any  sense  like 
the  legitimate  privacy  that  inheres  to  the  indi- 
vidual and  family  relation,  and  which,  when 
necessity  requires,  may  be  resorted  to  in  the 
Church  and  State.  This  privacy  is  not  essen- 
tial but  prudential ;  not  compulsory,  but  leaves 
the  conscience  free  to  act  in  the  interests  of 
mankind  on  all  occasions. 


140  THE    COVENANTERS 

The  fraternities  originate  in  secrecy  ;  they 
are  built  upon  secrecy ;  they  are  fortified  by 
secrecy;  they  live,  and  move,  and  have  their 
being  in  secrecy.  To  them,  absolute,  ever- 
binding,  never-revealed,  forever-concealed 
secrecy  is  essential ;  secrecy  guarded  by  pledge, 
and  oath,  and  threat,  and  penalty,  and  officer. 
To  disclose  the  secrets  of  the  Lodge  is  the  un- 
pardonable sin  of  any  lodge-man. 

The  Church,  "  built  upon  the  foundation  of 
the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  himself  being 
the  Chief  Corner-Stone,"  is  opposed  to  the  very 
idea  of  secrecy.  The  apostle  condemns  it  with 
the  "works  of  darkness,"  and  says  that  God 
will  "bring  to  light  the  hidden  things,"  and 
urges  Christians,  with  all  authority,  to  come 
out  from  among  them  and  be  separate. 

The  Church  acting  in  conformity  with 
divine  instructions,  can  have  no  more  fellow- 
ship with  secret  societies,  than  light  can  have 
with  darkness,  or  "  Christ  with  Belial,"  or  "  he 
that  believeth  with  an  infidel." 

Many  of  these  societies,  also,  are  bound 
together  by  spurious  and  wicked  oaths.  These 
oaths  are  spurious,  being  without  authority. 
The  associations  represent  neither  Church  nor 


AND    SECRET    ORDERS.  141 

State,  and  therefore,  have  no  true  authority  to 
administer  oaths.  Their  so-called  oaths  have 
no  more  validity  than  a  similar  farce  entered 
into  by  one  neighbor  with  another.  High 
sounding  titles,  regalia,  and  pretentious  cere- 
monies give  no  authority. 

Such  oaths  as  are  administered  by  some  of  the 
Orders  are  positively  wicked,  and  can  have  no 
force  with  an  enlightened  conscience.  They 
claim  to  bind  the  party  to  what  he  does  not 
know ;  perhaps,  to  what  is  positively  contrary  to 
the  law  of  Christ.  He  swears  in  the  dark,  then 
opens  his  eyes  to  see  what  his  oath  means,  and 
what  his  new  obligations  are. 

In  the  higher  forms  of  secrecy  the  oath  con- 
tains barbarous  penalties.  The  penalty  is  at 
times  no  less  than  the  horrid  mutilation  of  the 
body  of  the  man  who  would  disown  his  false 
obligations.  The  true  oath  is  a  solemn  act  of 
religious  worship,  to  be  administered  only  by 
such  as  are  clothed  with  lawful  authority,  and 
to  be  resorted  to  only  in  cases  of  imperative 
need.  It  is  too  serious  and  holy  to  be  trifled 
with  by  unauthorized  men  for  selfish,  farcical, 
or  unlawful  purposes.  The  Moral  Law  forbids 
such   swearing :     "  Thou   shalt    not   take   the 


142  THE    COVENANTERS 

name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain,  for  the  Lord 
will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his 
name  in  vain." 

Also,  the  charity  claims  of  the  Orders  are 
deceptive  and  ensnaring.  Charity  means  help 
for  the  poor.  It  is  not  a  return  of  money 
received,  or  a  benefaction  to  families  of  deceased 
persons  who  have  paid  all  dues  according  to 
contract.  This  any  honest  Insurance  company 
will  do  on  business  principles.  Charity  means 
more ;  it  is  love,  not  business.  It  is  favor  to 
the  poor  without  the  expectation  of  pecuniary 
returns.  "  If  ye  do  good  to  them  which  do 
good  to  you,  what  thank  have  ye."  True 
charity  cares  for  the  lame,  the  halt,  the  blind, 
the  cripple,  the  decrepid,  the  poor  because  they 
are  poor,  the  helpless  because  they  need  help — 
the  very  classes  ruled  out  by  the  laws  of  secret 
fraternities. 

The  Covenanter  Church  opposes  them  most 
strongly,  however,  because  of  their  professedly 
religious,  yet  essentially  irreligious  character. 

While  many  of  the  Orders  are  chiefly  of  a 
business  character,  yet  in  Masonry,  the  mother 
of  secret  fraternities,  and  whose  spirit  pervades 
them  all,  the  profession  of  religion  is  conspic- 
uous  and    undeniable.     Masonry   engages   in 


AND    SECRET    ORDERS.  143 

religious  ordinances  and  services.  It  holds 
the  Bible  prominent ;  and  while  masonically 
cutting  the  name  of  Jesus  out  of  the  quota- 
tions used,  it  authoritatively  calls  the  Book  of 
God  "  The  Great  Light  of  Masonry."  Another 
service  of  Masons  in  the  Lodge  is  prayer,  yet 
the  name  of  Jesus  is  suppressed  in  the  lodge- 
prayers  by  the  laws  recorded  in  their  accepted 
manuals.  They  attach  religious  meaning  to 
their  symbols — the  square,  the  compass,  the 
gavel,  the  gauge,  the  level,  the  plumb,  all  being 
made  to  mean,  in  masonic  language,  sacred 
things.  This  system  of  darkness  also  claims 
to  prepare  men,  as  living  stones,  for  "  the 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens."  A  society,  that  observes  religious 
ordinances,  symbolizes  religion  by  its  instru- 
ments, and  proposes  to  take  men  to  Heaven, 
must  stand  for  a  religion.  And  a  religion 
which  discards  the  name  of  Jesus  as  the 
Saviour,  and  mutilates  the  Word  of  God,  must 
be  both  a  rival  and  an  antagonist  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion.  Men  receive  it  as  such,  and 
assert  that  it  is  all  the  religion  they  want. 

The  Covenanter  Church  opposes  these  Orders, 
because  their  religion  is  a  fraud  ;  it  is  Christ- 
less  ;  it  is  an  impious  and  perilous  falsehood  ; 


144  THE    COVENANTERS 

a  decoy  of  souls,  and  an  effrontery  to  Chris- 
tianity. This  Church  opposes  them,  because 
they  are  deceptive  in  their  pretended  charity, 
based  upon  selfishness,  and  crowned  with 
worldly  ambition.  She  opposes  them,  because 
they  impose  upon  weak  and  uneducated  con- 
sciences, oaths  that  are  unscriptural  and  blas- 
phemous, being  without  a  shadow  of  authority, 
yet  awakening  a  spirit  of  terror,  and  pro- 
ducing a  bondage  of  fear  in  the  darkened 
mind.  She  opposes  them  because  they  are 
intrenched  in  darkness,  the  citadel  of  Satan 
the  Prince  of  Darkness.  They  are  unable  to 
bear  the  light — the  light  of  truth,  which  is 
God's  own  atmosphere  in  which  He  dwells,  and 
in  which  He  will  have  his  people  dwell. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  earn- 
estly and  constantly  testifies  against  all  these 
features  of  the  lodge  system ;  and  with  the 
help  of  the  Lord,  she  will  continue  her  protest, 
till  this  monstrous  fabrication  of  conceit  and 
deceit,  this  pyramid  of  pretentious  greatness, 
with  self  for  its  base,  and  pride  for  its  apex, 
shall  be  no  more.  By  her  laws  and  her  prac- 
tice, she  excludes  their  members  from  her 
communion.  The  obligations  of  darkness  are 
inconsistent  with  the  privileges  of  light ;  the 


AND    SECRET   ORDERS.  145 

pledges  of  the  lodge  cannot  be  sealed  at  the 
Lord's  table;  the  oath  of  the  Fraternity  and 
the  oath  of  the  Sacrament  cannot  hold  well 
together  in  the  same  conscience. 

''And  they  overcame  by  the  blood   of  the 
Lamb,  and  by  the  word  of  their  testimony." 


146  THE    COVENANTERS 

Let  us  watch  and  be  sober  ;  for  they  that 
sleep  sleep  in  the  night;  and  they  that  be 
drunken  are  drunken  in  the  night.  But  let 
us,  who  are  of  the  day,  be  sober,  putting  on  the 
breastplate  of  faith  and  love ;  and  for  an  hel- 
met, the  hope  of  salvation.  For  God  hath  not 
appointed  us  to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  salvation 
by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. — I  Thessalonians 
v:  6-9. 

By  and  by  the  triumph  of  this  and  of  all 
great  moral  enterprises  shall  usher  in  the  day 
of  the  final  triumph  of  the  Cross  of  Christ.  I 
believe  it,  and  for  that  I  work  ;  and  when  I 
die,  I  pray  God  that  I  may  die  in  the  harness, 
battling  for  this,  with  the  hope  that  there  is  a 
better  day  coming,  and  a  prayer,  "  God  Speed 
the  Right  "  !  Ever  praying,  ever  working,  till 
victory  shall  perch  upon  our  banners.  Then 
we  will  lay  our  laurels  at  His  feet,  and  cast  our 
crowns  before  Him,  joining  in  the  mighty 
anthem  of  praise  to  Him  who  hath  subdued 
all  things  unto  Himself. — John  B.  Gough. 


AND    TEMPERANCE.  147 

Chapter  XII. 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND 
TEMPERANCE. 

Temperance  is  one  of  the  cardinal  virtues  of 
Christianity.  Without  it,  the  body  cannot 
become  an  agreeable  home  for  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  occupy.  Without  it,  the  heart  is  impure, 
the  soul  is  diseased,  the  character  is  imperfect, 
to  an  alarming  extent ;  and  grace  is  either 
altogether  wanting  or  sadly  deficient. 

The  Covenanter  Church  has  long  waged  war 
against  intemperance,  and  with  relentless  spirit. 
She  has  never  shown  the  flag  of  truce,  nor  pro- 
posed any  compromise  with  this  destroyer  of 
homes  and  of  souls.  From  the  beginning  of 
her  struggle  against  drunkenness,  her  determi- 
nation has  been  to  be  free  from  the  power  of 
the  saloon ;  and  then,  with  all  who  are  on  the 
side  of  purity  and  soberness,  to  pursue  the  evil 
till  it  shall  disappear  from  the  face  of  the 
earth.  She  has  accomplished  the  first  object, 
having  won  a  glorious  liberty  for  her  people. 
This  Church  is  free.  In  the  name  of  her 
Divine  Leader  she  has  cast  off  the  yoke,  and 
cast  out  the   demon,   so   that   the  rum   trade 


148  THE    COVENANTERS 

cannot  intimidate  her  courts,  influence  her 
pulpits,  nor  even  touch  her  communicants, 
without  rebuke. 

Within  the  present  century,  both  the  drink 
habit  and  the  whiskey  trade  were  found  inside 
this  little  Church,  overshadowing   her   honor 
and  disturbing  her  peace.     But  by  faithfulness 
in  the  pulpit,  by  discussions  through  the  press, 
by  the  decisions  of  her  courts,  by  the  educa- 
tion of  sentiment,  by  the  enforcement  of  dis- 
cipline, by  continuous  and  energetic  effort,  by 
the  grace  of  her  Lord,  she  grew  strong  to  cast 
off  this  burden  of  bondage,  and   enter   into 
"  the  liberty  wherewith  Christ  makes  his  peo- 
ple free."     Step  by  step,  she  pursued  the  work 
of  cleansing  the  Sanctuary,  by  excluding  from 
her  communion,  men  who,  in  defiance  of  church 
law,  were  connected  with  the  unholy  business. 
They  were  not  accounted  worthy,  wmose  hands 
were  defiled  with  its  criminality,  or  whose  lips 
were   polluted  with  its   poison.       Progressive 
measures   were   adopted   whereby   the   people 
were  nourished,  educated,  and   unified,  until 
they   have   become    a   communion   of    Total 
Abstainers,  and  Prohibitionists,  with  only  such 
exceptions,  as  must  be  expected  in  all  imper- 
fect society.     The  drinker  has  been  reformed 


AND    TEMPERANCE.  149 

or  excluded ;  also  the  maker,  the  seller,  the 
grower  of  material  for  the  trade,  and  the  owner 
of  property  in  which  the  unrighteous  business 
is  conducted.  All  these,  who  would  not  reform, 
have  been  excluded  by  the  action  of  the 
Church's  highest  court,  the  judicial  deliver- 
ances reaching  grounds  that  were  higher  and 
higher  till  the  summit  was  gained. 

All  forms  of  license  by  the  State  have  met 
with  Synod's  most  explicit  disapprobation, 
as  the  legalizing  of  evil,  and  as  participation  in 
crime.  All  fermented  wines  for  sacramental 
purposes  have  been  placed  under  Synod's  dis- 
approval. Even  alcoholic  medicines  have  been 
laid  under  a  caution. 

But  the  Covenanter  Church  has  not  stopped 
with  intoxicants.  She  has  advanced  to  deal 
with  narcotics.  The  tobacco  habit  has  come 
under  her  censure.  It  has  been  exposed  by 
the  voice  of  her  highest  tribunal,  as  injurious 
to  health,  impairing  the  mental  powers,  offen- 
sively unclean,  a  waste  of  the  Lord's  goods, 
incurring  the  loss  of  self-respect,  destructive  of 
personal  influence,  degrading  to  the  morals, 
and,  at  large,  a  public  calamity.  Sessions  have 
been  enjoined  to  ordain  and  install  neither 
elder  nor  deacon  who  is  defiled  thereby.    Pres- 


150  THE    COVENANTERS 

byteries  have  been  instructed  to  forbear  licens- 
ing candidates  for  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel, 
who  continue  to  pollute  the  breath,  the  lips, 
the  soul,  the  character,  the  atmosphere,  by 
gratifying  this  lust  of  the  flesh. 

The  official  Testimony  of  the  Covenanters, 
on  the  Temperance  question,  is  an  ensign  wav- 
ing over  a  victorious  field.  As  a  branch  of  the 
Church  of  Christ,  they  having  fought  this  battle 
in  the  strength  of  the  Lord,  and  by  his  help 
having  driven  this  enemy  beyond  their  ecclesi- 
astical limits,  let  them  ever  ascribe  the  glory 
to  their  Deliverer.  Thanks  be  to  the  Lord,  who 
hath  given  us  the  victory  !  Also  the  worthy 
fathers  shall  be  remembered  with  gratitude, 
who  threw  themselves  fearlessly  into  the  con- 
flict, and,  through  much  pain  and  difficulty, 
went  forward  to  success  and  honor. 

Strong  drink  having  been  driven  out  of  this 
Covenanted  Zion  by  the  power  of  truth  and 
discipline,  she  is  now  neither  under  its  lash,  nor 
under  its  gold,  nor  under  its  disgrace,  nor 
under  its  withering  curse ;  her  communion 
vessels  are  defiled  neither  by  the  brewer's  lips. 
nor  the  drunkard's  hand,  though  an  occasional 
case  of  indulgence  may  arise,  as  an  effort  of 
Satan  to  trip  a  soul.  The  whole  Church  is  not 
in  anv  way  affected  bv  the  evil. 


AND    TEMPERANCE.  151 

This  being  an  emancipated  Church,  the 
liquor  traffic  has  no  more  power  either  to 
intimidate  her  pastors  with  threats,  or  exhila- 
rate them  with  promises  concerning  their  sup- 
port. Every  minister  in  her  communion  can 
denounce  the  iniquity ;  can  declare  against  the 
still,  that  distills  the  tears  of  wives  and  widows ; 
against  the  brewery,  that  brews  the  comforts  of 
home  into  misery  :  and  against  the  cup,  that  is 
mingled  with  the  blood  of  the  lost — every 
minister  in  the  Church  can  do  this,  as  the 
"  ambassador  of  Christ,"  and  not  receive  a 
frown  from  the  pew.  Yea,  in  this  important 
service  he  will  be  sustained  with  all  the  up- 
lifting power  found  in  the  united  sentiment  of 
a  temperance  congregation. 

But  the  Covenanter  Church  does  not  con- 
sider her  task  yet  finished.  Herself  delivered 
from  the  power,  and  saved  from  the  havoc  of 
the  drink-trade,  she  seeks  not  rest.  She  is 
girded  for  work  and  warfare,  in  the  interests 
of  a  common  humanity.  The  world  is  groan- 
ing under  the  ruinous  business:  Christianity 
is  disgraced  by  it :  many  of  the  churches  are 
overshadowed :  the  National  Government  is 
incriminated:  humanity  is  outraged  :  the  God 
of   Heaven  is   blasphemed  ;  the  floodgates  of 


152 


THE    COVENANTERS 


vice  are  opened;  all  crimes  are  multiplied. 
The  moral  progress  of  the  world  is  retarded ; 
the  wheels  of  reform  are  clogged  with  its 
wickedness,  and  deep  in  the  slums  of  its  dissi- 
pation;  through  it  they  move  with  greatest 
difficulty.  The  cry  of  distress  echoes  around 
the  world.  The  Covenanter  Church  hears  the 
cry,  and,  in  some  measure  of  earnestness, 
responds.  Her  people  are  enlisted  in  this 
issue,  on  the  side  of  God  and  humanity,  and 
are  under  oath  not  to  recede,  but  to  strike  as 
opportunity  offers,  till  by  the  united  effort  of 
the  friends  of  temperance,  and  under  the 
leadership  of  King  Jesus,  the  world  shall  be 
emancipated  forever  from  the  tyranny  of  the 
distillery  and  the  lawlessness  of  the  saloon  ;  and 
the  ransomed  homes  of  earth  shall  rejoice  in  the 
benign  and  peaceful  reign  of  Righteousness. 

Then  will  the  world  enjoy  what  has  been 
promised  in  the  Psalm  : 

"  Surely  to  such  as  do  him  fear 
Salvation  is  at  hand  ; 
And  glory  shall  ere  long  appear 
To  dwell  within  our  land. 

"  Mercy  and  Truth  that  long  were  missed 
Now  joyfully  are  met  ; 
Sweet  Peace  and  Righteousness  have  kissed, 
And  hand  iu  baud  are  set. 


AND     TEMPERANCE. 


153 


'  Truth  from  the  earth,  like  to  a  flower, 
Shall  bud  and  blossom  then  ; 
And  Justice  from  her  heavenly  bower 
Look  down  on  mortal  men. 

'  The  Lord  will  also  then  bestow 
Whatever  thing  is  good  ; 
Our  laud  shall  forth  in  plenty  throw 
Her  fruits  to  be  our  food. 

'Before  him  righteousness  shall  go, 
His  royal  harbinger  : 
Then  will  He  come,  and  not  too  slow, 
His  footsteps  cannot  err." 

Milton's  Version. 


154  THE    COVENANTERS 

And  other  sheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of 
this  fold:  them  also  I  must  bring,  and  they 
shall  hear  my  voice;  and  there  shall  be  one 
fold,  and  one  Shepherd. — John  x  :  16. 

Christ's  prayer  for  Christian  union  does  not 
require  the  surrender  of  any  essential  point  of 
belief,  in  order  to  effect  a  compromise  of  doc- 
trinal views,  and  thereby  seek  to  remove  all 
denominational  distinctions.  AVe  are  com- 
manded "  to  prove  all  things  " ;  and  again 
to   "hold  fast    the    form  of   sound  words 

IN     FAITH     AND      LOVE,     WHICH     IS     IN  -  CHRIST 

Jesus."  Union  based  upon  the  surrender  of 
any  essential  evangelical  doctrine,  would  be 
like  the  union  of  Pilate  and  Herod  at  the  cru- 
cifixion of  Jesus.  The  spirit  of  our  Lord's 
petition,  is,  however,  aimed  against  those  sec- 
tarian prejudices  and  animosities,  those  ecclesi- 
astical strifes  and  divisions,  those  assumptions 
of  Prelatical  superiority  and  exclusive  church 
polity,  which  have  so  often  brought  dishonor 
upon  the  religion  of  Christ,  and  which  must 
all  disappear  before  the  era  of  truth  and 
righteousness,  (for  which  the  disciples  of  Jesus 
are  laboring,  and  praying),  will  be  ushered  in. — 
Rev.  John  J.  Owen.  D.  D. 


AND    CHURCH    UNION.  155 

Chapter  XIII. 

THE  COVENANTERS  AND  CHURCH 
UNION. 

Covenanters  are  deeply  interested  in  the 
question  of  Church  union.  This  is  a  favorite 
subject  of  thought  and  prayer  with  them. 
They  have  always  maintained  that  the  Church 
should  be  organically  one.  They  are  persuaded 
that  the  future  will  witness  such  a  union.  The 
prophets  have  prophesied  it ;  the  Saviour  has 
prayed  for  it :  the  Holy  Spirit  is  able  to  accom- 
plish it  ;  therefore,  Covenanters  have  entered 
into  most  solemn  bonds  to  assist  in  every  law- 
ful way,  to  exalt  the  Church  into  this  promised 
condition  of  peace,  honor,  and  influence. 

The  subscribers  of  the  Solemn  League  and 
Covenant,  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago, 
were  imbued  with  this  thought  and  purpose, 
when  they  entered  into  an  agreement,  in  the 
most  earnest  manner,  that  they  would  "  en- 
deavor to  bring  the  Churches  of  God  in  the 
three  Kingdoms  to  the  nearest  conjunction  and 
uniformity  in  ^Religion,  Confession  of  Faith, 
Form  of  Church  Government,  Directory  for 
Worship,  and  Catechising ;  that  we   and    our 


156  THE    COVENANTERS 

posterity  after  us,  may,  as  brethren,  live  in 
faith  and  love,  and  the  Lord  may  delight  to 
dwell  in  the  midst  of  us." 

Thus  the  obligation  to  work  for  the  unity  of 
the  Church  of  Christ  has  descended  upon 
Reformed  Presbyterians  with  the  strength  of  a 
holy  Covenant ;  also  with  the  accumulated 
force  of  two  and  a  half  centuries  of  Christian 
liberty  and  progress.  Our  fathers  honored  the 
duty  of  promoting  church  unity,  when  the 
limit  of  their  privileges  permitted  only  three 
little  kingdoms  to  come  within  their  horizon. 
The  obligation  has  grown  since  then,  and  is 
large  enough  now,  to  take  the  whole  world  into 
its  bosom,  as  the  Gospel,  and  education,  and 
international  law,  and  steam,  and  electricity, 
have  bound  continents  and  oceans  together. 
Therefore,  we,  of  this  age,  labor  for  the  unity 
of  the  Church  of  Christ  throughout  the  earth, 
and  have  imprinted  this  duty  in  our  latest 
bond.  This  obligation  is  recognized  in  its 
universal  length,  and  breadth,  and  fulness  in 
the  American  Covenant. 

There  is  a  real  and  spiritual  oneness  among 
all  true  Christians,  notwithstanding  differences 
of  opinion  and  denominational  lines.  All 
are  members  of  the  same  body,  receiving  life 


AND    CHURCH    UNION.  157 

and  glory  from  the  same  Exalted  Head.  This 
oneness  ought  to  be  recognized  in  every  legiti- 
mate way.  and  made  more  visible  by  external 
unification.  As  the  Church  is  one  in  spirit,  so 
ought  she  to  be  one  in  appearance,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  world. 

The  spiritual  unity  alone  is  not  sufficient  to 
meet  the  requirement  of  the  Scriptures.  In- 
visible harmony  is  no  satisfaction  for  visible 
dissensions.  The  vital  bond  of  union  in  Christ 
may  not  be  taken  as  a  license  to  build  sectarian 
walls  for  the  enjoyment  of  undue  liberty  in 
belief  and  action.  The  Church  was  intended 
to  be  visibly,  organically,  universally  ONE. 
She  ought  to  be  one  :  the  time  is  approaching 
when  she  will  be  one.  Divisions  tell  of  sin.  The 
divided  condition  of  the  Church  is  one  of  the 
greatest  scandals.  Nothing  more  seriously  hin- 
ders the  bringing  of  this  world  to  Jesus. 

The  aim  of  all  Christians,  therefore,  should 
be  to  remove  the  dividing  lines  and  heal  the 
divisions.  This  should  never  be  dropped  out 
of  sight,  By  prayer,  by  conference,  by  coopera- 
tion in  Gospel  work,  by  the  exercise  of  charity, 
and  under  the  counsel  and  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  all  should  labor  to  bring  about  this 
blessed   result.     Failure  of    effort,  feelings   of 


158  THE    COVENANTERS 

prejudice,  denominational  pride,  past  history, 
great  distinctive  truths,  Reformation  attain- 
ments, covenant  obligations,  none  of  these  con- 
siderations should  hinder  for  one  moment,  but 
rather,  incessantly  and  mightily  stimulate  the 
people  of  God  to  strive  for  a  United  Church. 

This  has  ever  been  the  purpose  and  course  of 
Covenanters,  however  feeble  their  efforts,  and 
exceedingly  cautious  their  movements.  Church 
union  has  received  a  large  share  of  attention 
in  their  deliberations.  Care,  and  prayer,  and 
pains,  and  time,  and  brotherly  discussion  have 
always  been  given  to  the  proposals  for  union 
coming  from  other  branches  of  the  Church. 

What  shall  be  the  model  after  which  the 
United  Church  shall  be  patterned?  The 
question  is  born  of  curiosity,  and  any  descrip- 
tive answer  might  show  the  lack  of  wisdom. 
The  reply  would  be  mere  speculation,  if  not 
presumption.  We  are  not  vain  enough,  how- 
ever, to  believe  that  the  accepted  standards 
of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  are 
unchangeable,  nor  that  her  methods  shall  be 
universally  adopted.  Yet  when  the  day  of 
shaking  comes,  as  come  it  surely  will,  "  that 
which  cannot  be  shaken,"  in  these  symbols  of 
truth,  will  remain. 


AND    CHURCH    UNION.  159 

God  can  awaken  public  sentiment,  sanctify 
Christian  knowledge,  and  make  the  intelli- 
gence of  the  churches  glow  with  holy  fire, 
fanned  by  the  breath  of  the  Eternal  Spirit ; 
and  from  such  a  furnace,  He  can  run  off  the 
dross,  and  bring  forth  an  instrument,  pure, 
precious,  and  valuable — "  as  gold  of  the  seventh 
refining  " — the  symbol  of  the  unified  Church. 
A  union  cannot  reasonably  be  expected,  nor  a 
creed  adopted,  by  the  churches  comparing, 
consulting,  debating,  and  compiling,  in  delib- 
erate assemblies.  An  instrument  of  faith,  pre- 
pared in  such  manner,  must  inevitably  come 
out  of  the  crucible  of  discussion,  into  which 
each  church  casts  her  jewels,  like  Aaron's 
golden  calf,  soon  to  be  ground  to  powder. 

Our  Covenants  enjoin  us  to  strive  for  the 
visible  oneness  of  the  Church  in  all  the  world 
on  "  the  Basis  of  Truth  and  Scriptural  Order." 
On  no  other  basis  can  a  union  be  permanent. 
In  answer  to  believing  prayer,  in  connection 
with  faithful  work,  and  in  accordance  with  the 
intercession  of  Jesus,  the  Holy  Spirit  will  come 
in  great  effusion  upon  the  divided  Church,  by 
which  the  differences  will,  doubtless,  gradually 
melt  away ;  and,  perhaps,  almost  before  we  are 
aware,  we  will  come  together. 


160  THE    COVENANTERS 

Until  this,  however,  be  granted,  the  duty  of 
Christ's  followers  is  to  "  walk  in  the  light " 
which  they  have,  still  seeking  more  light. 
Let  them  be  true  to  duty  and  conviction,  as 
conscience  guides,  and  the  Word  is  understood. 
To  be  false  to  conviction,  and  to  compromise 
with  what  we  believe  to  be  error,  even  to  bring 
about  such  a  grand  project  as  the  union  of  the 
churches,  is  to  retard,  and  not  advance,  the 
work. 

For  this  reason,  Covenanters  continue  to 
maintain  their  testimony;  and,  by  dissemina- 
ting and  applying  the  principles  of  truth 
herein  professed,  they  labor  to  remove  diffi- 
culties out  of  the  way,  and  to  gather  into  one, 
all  the  followers  of  Christ.  Such  at  present  is 
the  path  of  duty,  and  following  it,  the  light 
will  increase.  "  The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the 
shining  light,  that  shineth  more  and  more  unto 
the  perfect  day."  As  light  and  obligations 
increase,  may  God  give  strength  to  do  the 
right,  leaving  consequences  entirely  with  him- 
self, who  controls  all  events  for  the  honor  of 
his  Church,  and  the  glory  of  his  name. 

As  Alfred  Cookman  has  beautifully  written  : 
"  We  believe  in  the  Church  of  the  future.  We 
believe  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the 


AND    CHURCH    UNION.  161 

sacramental  host,  scattered  all  over  the  face  of 
this  creation,  shall  spring  upon  their  feet,  and 
seizing  the  harp  of  thanksgiving,  they  shall 
join  in  the  chorus,  that  shall  be  responded  to 
by  the  angels,  'One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  bap- 
tism, one  God  and  Father  of  us  all,  who  is 
above  all,  and  through  all,  and  in  us  all,  to 
whom  be  glory,  and  dominion,  and  majesty, 
and  blessing  forever ! ' " 


162  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  the  gates  of 
Jerusalem  began  to  be  dark  before  the  Sab- 
bath, I  commanded  that  the  gates  should  be 
shut,  and  charged  that  they  should  not  be 
opened  till  after  the  Sabbath  ;  and  some  of  my 
servants  set  I  at  the  gates,  that  there  should 
no  burden  be  brought  in  on  the  Sabbath 
day. — Nehemiah  xiii  :  19. 

The  Sabbath  under  Christ  is  a  universal 
partnership  for  the  advancement  of  piety 
toward  God,  and  of  every  interest  of  men  that 
can  flourish  in  the  light  of  God's  countenance. 
The  Sabbath,  the  God-directed  stream  !  It 
found  an  opening  through  the  hills — a  de- 
serted Sepulchre  marked  the  place — and  it 
still  flows  on,  not  now  a  canal  betwixt  straight 
and  rigid  walls,  but  a  river,  and  free— free  to 
flow ;  not  free  to  stop.  Shame  on  the  Christian 
men  who  would  stop  it!  With  God's  Word 
and  God's  Spirit  in  it,  it  is  the  nearest  earthly 
symbol  of  the  River  of  the  Water  of  Life.  Its 
fountain  is  the  throne  of  God.  Its  waters,  com- 
pared with  other  streams,  are  clear  as  crystal ; 
and  on  either  side  of  it  is  the  Tree  of  Life 
whose  leaves  are  for  the  healing  of  the  na- 
tions.— Rev.  Hervey  D.  Ganse. 


THE    CHRISTIAN    SABBATH.  1G3 

Chapter  XIV. 
THE  CHRISTIAN  SABBATH. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  sets 
high  value  on  the  Christian  Sabbath.  She  is 
deeply  interested  in  the  Sabbath  question. 
The  day  of  holy  rest  and  divine  worship 
has  been  assailed  in  public  discussion,  and 
Covenanters  cannot  be  neutral.  A  great  antag- 
onism is  threatening  this  sacred  institution,  and 
no  heart,  loyal  either  to  the  Church  or  the  State, 
can  be  passive. 

The  Synod  of  the  Covenanters  annually 
appoints  a  committee  to  guard  the  interests  of 
the  Sabbath,  to  take  note  of  new  dangers  that 
may  arise,  (Satan's  insiduous  temptations  to 
ensnare  souls),  and  to  warn  against  the  open 
violations  also  that  draw,  like  a  whirlpool,  mul- 
titudes into  the  vortex  of  Sabbath  desecration. 
Lifting  up  their  voice,  like  a  trumpet,  they 
sound  the  alarm  with  certainty  and  emphasis 
in  every  note. 

This  Church  has  a  loving  regard  for  the 
very  name  of  the  Rest-day,  and  calls  it  the  Sab- 
bath. The  Sabbath  is  the  Scriptural  name, 
selected  by  its  Author,  recorded  in  the  Com- 
mandment, consecrated  on  the  lips  of  Jesus, 


164  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

and  inscribed  in  the  New  Testament.  This 
name  is  significant,  both  of  the  character  of 
the  day  and  the  manner  of  its  observance. 
The  other  term,  "  Sunday,"  frequently  em- 
ployed, is  of  heathen  origin,  suggestive  of 
nothing  sacred,  but  of  much  that  is  secular 
and  profane,  and  should  be  banished  from 
Christian  society,  so  far  as  it  is  used  to  desig- 
nate any  thing  connected  with  religious  ser- 
vice. 

The  Sabbath  is  of  the  Lord.  God  gave  it  to 
man  for  the  benefit  of  all  mankind.  Hence 
this  institution  of  holy  rest  is  based  upon  the 
highest  authority.  The  benefits  resulting  from 
the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  considered  from 
a  humanitarian  point  of  view,  are  many  and 
great ;  yet  neither  Church  nor  State,  without 
divine  sanction,  has  the  right  to  vest  one  day 
in  seven  with  a  superior  sanctity,  and  to 
enforce  its  observance.  The  institution  must 
rest  upon  God's  appointment,  or  sink  to  the 
level  of  a  legal  holiday.  Since  God  has  dis- 
tinguished the  Sabbath  by  his  example,  his 
blessing,  and  his  commandment,  neither  the 
Church,  the  State,  nor  the  individual,  can  with 
safety  ignore  it  as  a  day  of  rest.  Covenanters, 
admitting   human  reasons    for   the    Sabbath, 


THE    CHRISTIAN     SABBATH.  165 

honor  it  as  the  Sabbath  for  one  reason,  and 
one  only  : — It  is  a  Divine  Institution.  This  is 
both  the  basis  and  the  climax  of  their  argu- 
ment. The  weekly  rest  is  founded,  not  on 
desirability,  nor  expediency,  nor  necessity,  but 
on  God's  example  and  on  his  command. 

The  Sabbath  is  a  day  for  the  suspension  of 
toil.  God,  "  in  the  beginning,"  gave  an 
object  lesson  on  Sabbath -keeping.  Through 
six  creative  days  He  wrought,  and  on  the 
seventh  day  He  rested.  A  second  lesson  was 
given  in  man's  constitution,  written  on  his 
fibre  and  bone,  as  well  as  on  his  heart.  A 
third  lesson  was  chiseled  into  the  Table  of  stone. 
All  these  teachings  enjoin  the  cessation  of 
labor  on  the  Sabbath  day.  Work  must  cease 
through  all  its  hours.  As  the  Sabbath  comes 
in  its  weekly  journey  of  mercy,  it  authorizes 
man  to  cease  from  his  labor  and  enter  into 
rest.  Laying  its  hand  upon  the  swollen 
streams  of  earthly  care,  like  the  hand  of  Omni- 
potence on  the  Jordan,  it  holds  the  waters 
back  all  the  day  long.  The  Law  saith,  "  In 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work."  Beyond 
works  of  necessity  and  mercy,  all  labor  on  the 
Sabbath  is  in  violation  of  the  law  of  the  Sab- 
bath.   Covenanters  recognize  both  the  personal 


166  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

duty  of  resting  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  the  neces- 
sity of  withdrawing  from  all  business  and  corpo- 
rations that  violate  the  Sabbath.  Synod  has 
"  earnestly  protested  against  such  modern 
forms  of  Sabbath  violation  as  advertising  in, 
and  reading  of,  newspapers  issued  on  that  day  ; 
preparing  or  receiving  mail  on  the  Sabbath  ; 
holding  stock  in  Sabbath-breaking  corporations; 
receiving  or  selling  milk  on  Sabbath,  or  engag- 
ing in  any  other  business  that  will  interfere 
with  the  proper  observance  of  the  Lord's  Day." 
Release  from  work  is  to  prepare  the  way  for 
worship.  Idleness  is  not  Sabbath-keeping. 
Pleasure-seeking  is  not  fulfilling  the  fourth 
commandment.  Relaxation  of  the  physical 
powers  must  not  degenerate  into  dissipation  of 
the  moral  powers,  or  neglect  of  the  spiritual 
powers.  Even  church  members  are  in  danger 
of  reducing  the  sacredness  of  the  Sabbath  to 
levity,  and  changing  the  divine  use  to  self- 
enjoyment.  The  world  is  full  of  attractions, 
"  subtle,  facinating,  gilded  temptations,"  amuse- 
ments innocent  in  themselves  on  other  days ; 
and  multitudes  swing  loose  from  toil,  only  to 
drift  into  unwarranted  and  unspiritual  pleas- 
ures. Thus  the  day  is  not  honored  ;  God  is 
not  worshiped ;   the  soul  is  not  elevated ;    the 


THE    CHRISTIAN    SABBATH.  167 

heart  is  not  strengthened  ;  the  countenance  is 
not  illuminated  by  standing  in  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  and  looking  upon  the  brightness  of 
the  Person,  by  whom  "  we  are  changed  from 
glory  to  glory."  Even  this  milder  form  of 
Sabbath  profanation  Covenanters  condemn, 
and  endeavor  to  avoid,  having  declared  against 
"pleasure-driving  and  social  visiting,  taking 
part  in  meetings  which  are  in  whole  or  in 
part  of  secular  or  doubtful  religious  character, 
attendance  at  concerts  which  differ  only  in 
name  from  the  ordinary  musical  entertain- 
ments of  the  week." 

The  Sabbath  was  ordained  also  for  worship.  It 
conveys  two  great  blessings  to  man, — the  priv- 
ilege of  rest  and  of  praise.  These  are  the  "sil- 
very wings  "  of  this  dove  of  peace,  that  hovers 
over  our  earth  with  a  benediction  for  every 
one  who  will  look  up  and  receive.  The  Sab- 
bath comes  to  anoint  the  soul  with  new  strength, 
and  lead  it  into  the  presence  of  God,  to  worship 
the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth.  It  comes  as 
the  shadow  of  Jesus,  whose  memorial  it  is,  and 
his  people  can  sit  in  the  pleasant  shade,  to 
be  regaled  with  the  cool  and  balmy  winds, 
which  subdue  the  fever  arising  from  protracted 
toil.     The  day  is  well  spent,  only  when  it  is 


168  THE    COVENANTERS     AND 

given  back  to  God  in  holy  services.  This  is 
rest.  We  worship  that  we  may  rest.  The  holy 
use  of  the  Sabbath,  by  the  active  employment  of 
our  spiritual  powers,  is  the  best  rest  for  both 
body  and  soul.  Change  of  employment  brings 
the  perfect  rest.  To  lift  up  the  mind  in  con- 
templation of  the  divine,  the  heavenly,  the 
eternal,  and  to  assume  the  attitude  of  devo- 
tion— this  is  for  most  people  the  greatest  possi- 
ble change,  and  therefore,  the  greatest  possible 
rest.  Hence  Covenanters  have  written  in  their 
Testimony,  (and  try  to  practice  what  they 
write) :  "  The  whole  day  is  to  be  employed 
exclusively  in  the  public  and  private  exercises 
of  God's  worship,  except  so  much  of  it  as  may 
be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necessity  and 
mercy." 

The  Church  is  the  guardian  of  the  morals, 
as  well  as  the  nourisher  of  the  souls  of  her 
members.  She  is,  therefore,  responsible, 
through  her  officers  and  courts,  for  the 
manner  in  which  the  Sabbath  is  observed  by 
all  within  her  bounds.  She  is  recreant  to 
duty,  if  she  permits  her  members  to  enjoy  secu- 
lar pleasures,  or  participate  in  ordinary  busi- 
ness, on  the  Lord's  Day.  Realizing  this  respon- 
sibility, the  Covenanter  Synod,  with  the  author- 


THE    CHRISTIAN    SABBATH.  169 

ity  vested  by  the  Author  of  the  holy  day, 
has  delivered  the  decree:  "  That  Christian  pro- 
fessors free  themselves  from  participation  in 
Sabbath-breaking,  and  a  more  rigid  discipline 
be  maintained  in  all  the  congregations ;  that 
all  recreation,  business,  travel  on  the  Lord's 
Day  be  restrained ;  and  that  the  capital  of 
church  members  be  not  employed  in  Sabbath  - 
breaking  institutions." 

The  State  also  carries  responsibility  concern- 
ing the  Christian  Sabbath,  for  the  Sabbath  is 
needed,  likewise,  in  the  political  sphere.  It 
makes  its  appearance  in  the  domain  of  politics 
as  well  as  in  the  home  and  in  the  Church. 
Fifty-two  times  in  the  year  the  Government  in 
all  its  departments  is  brought  face  to  nice  with 
the  Sabbath,  and  must,  in  a  practical  manner, 
answer  the  question  as  to  its  observance.  A 
man  with  enlightened  conscience,  employed  in 
the  civil  service,  cannot  enjoy  his  God-given 
rights,  unless  the  government  machinery  rest 
on  the  Sabbath.  Civil  government  should  be  so 
constituted,  that  a  Christian  can  fill  any  official 
position  without  violating  conscience  and  the 
Moral  Law.  But  how  can  he,  if  compelled  to 
serve  on  the  Sabbath  ?  Nothing  destroys  a 
nation  more  surely  than  immorality ;  nothing 


170  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

increases  immorality  more  speedily  than  Sab- 
bath-breaking ;  nothing  encourages  Sabbath- 
breaking  more  effectively  than  the  example  of 
the  Government  penetrating  every  part  of  the 
country  with  Postal  Laws  and  Postal  Service 
that  ignore  the  Lord's  Law  and  Day.  There- 
fore has  the  Covenanted  Church  "  lifted  up  her 
testimony  against  this  great  national  evil  of 
Sabbath  desecration,  imperilling  the  exist- 
ence of  the  nation." 

The  importance  of  the  Sabbath,  also  its  im- 
perilment  and  defence,  are  awakening  public 
attention.  Many  regard  it  as  the  central  pil- 
lar of  Christianity,  against  which  the  powers 
of  Atheism,  Infidelity,  Socialism,  and  Worldli- 
ness,  are  rallying.  Others  consider  it  essen- 
tial to  the  prosperity  and  perpetuity  of  our 
great  Republic,  and  are  grieved  to  see  it 
assailed  by  those  who  would  both  break  down 
the  "  carved  work  "  of  Christian  civilization, 
and  overturn  the  foundation  of  the  American 
Government.  Therefore,  Christians  and  pa- 
triots are  rising  up  to  repel  the  assault.  The 
members  of  this  Church  are  by  their  Covenants 
enrolled  in  the  ranks  of  its  defenders,  and 
pledged  to  use  unceasing  efforts  to  save  the 
Sabbath  from  its  foes. 


THE    CHRISTIAN    SABBATH.  171 

Dangers  are  gathering  around  the  Sabbath. 
Great  corporations  wield  tremendous  force 
against  the  day  of  rest :  the  influx  of  foreign 
population  darkens  and  defiles  its  sacredness  ; 
the  Federal  Government  with  its  seven  days' 
Postal  Service  educates  in  Sabbath  desecration. 
If  the  day  be  rescued  from  such  perils,  if  it  be 
secured  with  its  many  blessings  for  our  country 
and  our  posterity,  if  it  be  perpetuated  in  our 
land  as  a  sign  of  the  favor  of  God,  it  will  be 
by  the  prompt  and  resolute  action  of  Christian 
people.  The  crisis  has  called  forth  several 
Covenanted  ministers  to  the  front,  to  give 
their  full  time  and  strength,  urging  the  claims 
of  the  Sabbath  upon  the  attention  of  the 
public. 

The  Sabbath  belongs  to  the  human  family 
as  the  inalienable  right  and  inestimable  heri- 
tage of  every  person.  It  comes  in  its  weekly 
circuit  around  the  world,  showering  blessings, 
free  and  fresh,  and  precious  as  the  morning 
light.  With  loving  hands  it  unbinds  the  bands 
of  toil,  and  wipes  away  the  drops  of  sweat,  and 
bids  the  laborer  enter  into  rest :  it  lifts  the 
mind  above  corrosive  cares,  and  sets  it  on  the 
high  places  of  holy  contemplation  :  it  releases 


172  THE    COVENANTERS     AND 

the  soul  from  the  pursuits  of  the  world,  and 
gives  liberty  to  walk  through  the  Eden  of 
sacred  ordinances,  and  hold  loving  fellowship 
with  its  Lord  on  "  the  mountains  of  myrrh  and 
the  hills  of  frankincense." 

The  Sabbath  comes  to  man,  sweet  with  the 
fragrance  of  the  spiritual  world,  laden  with 
the  fruits  that  nourish  unto  eternal  life,  yield- 
ing true  satisfaction  to  the  human  heart.  It 
comes  with  its  inspiring  memories,  its  heavenly 
melodies,  and  its  exalted  services,  renewing  the 
care-worn  visage,  smoothing  the  furrowed  brow, 
and  giving  a  fore-taste  of  the  joys,  the  peace- 
fulness,  and  the  exaltation  of  the  life  that  is  in 
Heaven.  0  precious  Sabbath !  God's  great 
gift  to  man;  man's  much-slighted,  yet  ever- 
returning,  Friend;  earth's  loving  Benefactor, 
taking  humanity,  as  a  mother  her  child,  into  a 
warm  bosom,  and  kissing  away  the  tears  and 
cares  !  The  Sabbath,  the  weekly  wave  of  celes- 
tial blessedness  passing  around  our  globe, 
God's  life-giving  benediction  resting  upon  our 
race,  the  diadem  that  adorns  the  week,  and 
crowns  the  venerable  head  of  time  !  The  Sab- 
bath, the  high,  bright  shaft,  the  monument 
whiter  than  marble  and  more  enduring  than 


THE    CHRISTIAN    SABBATH.  ■   173 

granite,  with  its  base  in  the  shadows  of  the 
empty  Sepulchre,  and  its  summit  crested  with 
Heaven's  glory,  inscribed  on  the  one  side, 

"  He  is  not  here  ;  He  is  risen  ; " 

and  on  the  other, 

"  Unto  them  that  look  for  Him  shall  He 

APPEAR." 

0  that  the  world  would  appreciate  the  Lord's 
Day,  and  enter  into  the  full  enjoyment  of  the 
Christian  Sabbath ! 


171  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

And  the  seventh  angel  sounded ;  and  there 
were  great  voices  in  heaven,  saying,  The 
kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  king- 
doms of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ ;  and  he 
shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever.  And  the  four 
and  twenty  elders,  which  sat  before  God  on 
their  seats,  fell  upon  their  faces,  and  worshiped 
God,  saying,  We  give  thee  thanks,  0  Lord  God 
Almighty,  which  art,  and  wast,  and  art  to 
come  ;  because  thou  hast  taken  to  thee  thy 
great  power,  and  hast  reigned. — Revelation 
xi  :  15-17. 

He  saw  his  All-conquering  Prince  gird  on 
his  resistless  sword,  array  himself  in  glory  and 
majesty,  ascend  the  chariot  of  his  Gospel,  dis- 
play the  banner  of  his  cross,  and  ride  forth,  as 
on  the  wings  of  the  wind,  while  the  tremen- 
dous voice  of  a  herald,  proclaimed  before  Him, 
"  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord." — Rev. 
Edward  Payson. 

Earth,  thou  grain  of  sand  on  the  shore  of 
the  universe  of  God,  thou  art,  and  remainest, 
the  Loved  One  amongst  ten  thousand  suns  and 
worlds,  the  Chosen  of  God !  Thee  will  He 
again  visit,  and  then  thou  wilt  prepare  a  throne 
for  him,  as  thou  gavest  him  a  manger  cradle ; 
in  his  radiant  glory  wilt  thou  rejoice,  as  thou 
didst  once  drink  his  blood  and  his  tears,  and 
mourn  his  death !  On  thee  has  the  Lord  a 
great  work  to  complete. — Rev.  C.  Geike,  D.D. 


NATIONAL    REFORM.  175 

Chapter  XV. 
NATIONAL  REFORM. 

The  Covenanter  Church  stands  decisively 
committed  to  the  cause  of  National  Reform. 
Her  history,  her  principles,  her  covenants,  all 
connect  her  with  the  great  enterprise  of  remodel- 
ing the  nations  after  the  pattern  of  righteous- 
ness, according  to  the  Law  of  God.  By  long 
education  her  people  have  grasped  the  idea  of 
a  Christian  nation — the  prophetic  idea  of  a 
nation  whose  God  is  the  Lord ;  and  they 
tenaciously  retain  that  grand  conception,  the 
conception  of  what  the  political  powers  of 
earth  will  yet  become,  unless  the  Scriptures 
fail  in  their  fulfilment.  According  to  their 
strength,  they  also  hold  up  that  standard  before 
the  nation,  and  labor,  in  connection  with  other 
Christian  people,  to  elevate  civil  society  to  this 
exalted  position. 

Reformed  Presbyterians  believe  that  nations 
are  moral  persons,  responsible  to  Prince  Mes- 
siah, the  Ruler  of  nations.  They  believe  that 
God  holds  nations  strictly  accountable  for  the 
Constitution  upon  which  they  establish  govern- 
ment,  and   for    the    administration    of    civil 


176  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

power.  Therefore,  they  labor  and  pray  to  bring 
the  nation  into  allegiance  to  the  great  Gov- 
ernor. 

The  nation  that  opposes  God  and  contemns 
his  authority  occupies  dangerous  ground. 
However  strong  her  armies,  navies,  and  fort- 
resses, she  must  face  about  by  reformation,  or 
at  last  go  down  under  the  retributive  judg- 
ments of  the  Almighty.  Neglect  of  the  royal 
claims  of  Christ,  and  indifference  to  his  re- 
vealed law,  may  seem  to  be  neutral  ground, 
and,  therefore,  not  so  perilous.  Neutral?  No 
neutrality  here.  The  position  is  at  least  under 
the  fringe  of  the  same  cloud'  of  retribution, 
and  overshadowed  with  the  same  judicial  dis- 
pleasure. The  reform  may  be  easier,  the  way 
of  escape  plainer,  the  glorious  possibilities  more 
convenient,  yet  to  repent,  and  honor  the  law 
of  God  is  the  only  way  of  safety.  Reformed 
Presbyterians  are  earnestly  helping  in  the 
work  of  bringing  this  Republic  into  right  rela- 
tion with  the  Ruler  of  the  heavens  and  of  the 
nations. 

The  acknowledgment  of  God,  and  the  hon- 
oring of  Christ,  by  entering  into  public  cove- 
nant with  him,  is  a  most  notable  deed.  None 
more  worthy  can  be  performed  by  civil  society ; 


NATIONAL    REFORM.  1  /  ( 

no  service  more  famous  can  be  rendered  by  any 

people  to  their  country.  It  will  also  contribute 
unspeakably  to  the  prosperity,  the  security,  and 
the  perpetuity  of  the  nation.  This  is  what 
national  reformers  are  endeavoring  to  do. 

The  Covenanter  Church  keeps  constantly  in 
view  the  ideal  Christian  nation,  and  the  high 
standard  of  public  morality,  justice,  temper- 
ance, intelligence  and  religion,  whither  is  the 
trend  of  the  nations.  Though  the  movement 
be  slow,  yet  is  it  sure  :  though  the  goal  be  dis- 
tant, yet  shall  it  be  reached.  The  Prophets 
have  described  the  future  condition  of  nations 
in  glowing  terms :  the  Gospel  is  penetrating- 
universal  society  with  the  principles  which  shall 
exalt  them  ;  Providence  is  applying  great  moral 
forces  upon  them :  the  arms  of  Omnipotence 
are  underneath  to  uplift  and  uphold  them. 
The  nations  shall  yet  be  elevated  into  right- 
eousness and  peace. 

Listen  to  the  voice  of  unfailing  prophecy  : — 
"  And  He  shall  judge  among  the  nations,  and 
shall  rebuke  many  people  :  and  they  shall  beat 
their  swords  into  plowshares,  and  their  spears 
into  pruning-hooks :  nation  shall  not  lift  up 
sword  against  nation,  neither  shall  they  learn 
war  any  more."     "  They  shall  not    hurt  nor 


178  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

destroy  in  all  my  holy  mountain  :  for  the  earth 
shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as 
the  waters  cover  the  sea.  And  in  that  day 
there  shall  be  a  Root  of  Jesse,  which  shall  stand 
for  an  ensign  of  the  people ;  to  it  shall  the  Gen- 
tiles seek :  and  his  rest  shall  be  glorious." 

The  work  of  National  Reform  absorbs  much 
energy  of  the  Covenanter  Church.  The  atten- 
tion and  prayers,  the  pulpit  and  press,  the 
silver  and  gold  of  her  people  are  applied  in 
this  direction,  with  some  measure  of  zeal. 
Their  labor  in  this  field  is  one  method  by  which 
they  demonstrate  love  to  country  and  devotion 
to  God,  as  patriotism  and  religion  blend  together 
in  the  same  heart. 

Covenanters  are  aroused  as  they  behold  great 
evils  preying  upon  the  nation's  vitals — intem- 
perance, Sabbath  desecration,  oath-bound  se- 
crecy, and  the  spirit  and  work  of  secularism — 
which  are  a  reproach  to  any  people.  That  our 
Republic  may  be  saved  from  these  monster 
wrongs,  Covenanters,  in  conjunction  with  others 
of  the  same  aim,  urge  forward  the  work  of 
National  Reformation.  They  know  that  the 
displeasure  of  God  must  inevitably  grow  heav- 
ier, while  the  sins  of  the  nation  are  increased 
and  protracted,  in  the  face  of  remonstrance  and 


NATIONAL    REFORM.  179 

in  the  light  of  the  Gospel.  They  see  a  cloud  of 
wrath  deepening  and  darkening,  with  a  storm 
in  its  bosom,  that  will  make  the  land  tremble, 
if  it  be  shaken  out  upon  us.  That  this  nation 
may  escape  the  impending  vengeance,  Cove- 
nanters labor  in  this  work. 

They  comprehend  the  possibility  of  national 
progress  in  morality,  religion,  education, 
temperance,  and  every  thing  that  enters  into 
the  strength,  happiness,  and  prosperity  of  our 
country,  and  therefore  they  pray  and  work 
for  the  success  of  this  cause.  They  are  persua- 
ded of  its  final  success.  They  wander  not 
amidst  empty  visions.  They  are  not  follow- 
ing vain  dreams ;  the  conception  shall  be 
evolved  into  a  glorious  reality  ;  for  the  concep- 
tion originated  in  the  mind  of  God,  and  his 
power  shall  realize  it.  The  cause  of  National 
Reform  carries  within  itself  the  assurance  of 
triumph. 

The  Covenanter  Church,  in  connection  with 
all  who  are  moved  by  the  same  purpose,  con- 
ceives it  to  be  duty,  to  employ  her  strength  in 
holding  up  the  glorious  ensign  for  the  nations, 
which  is  inscribed  with  the  royal  prerogatives 
of  Shiloh,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  "  unto  whom 
shall  the  gathering  of  the   people   be."     Her 


180  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

pulpit,  when  loyal,  proclaims  without  fear  or 
uncertainty,  the  truths  that  honor  the  great 
King,  and  by  which  nations,  as  well  as  souls, 
shall  be  redeemed.  Moreover,  she  has  by 
special  commission,  sent  forth  for  several  years,, 
four  of  her  ministers  to  spend  all  or  part  of 
their  time,  in  heralding  the  moral  principles 
of  reformation,  and  in  setting  before  the  nation 
life  and  death,  blessing  and  cursing,  one  of 
which  is  inevitable.  Other  ministers  also  give 
much  time  and  labor  in  the  use  of  the  press, 
holding  conventions,  and  addressing  the  pub- 
lic. A  cash  contribution  is  annually  presented 
by  the  congregations,  in  accordance  with  the 
action  of  Synod,  to  be  applied  to  this  work. 

National  Reform  may  seem  to  belong  to  the 
sphere  of  the  State,  and  to  be  beyond  the  care 
of  the  Church.  No  one  will  deny  that  it  is  a 
national  work  ;  yet  it  is  also  an  evangelical 
work,  a  missionary  work,  a  work  for  the  salva- 
tion of  souls.  It  aims  at  the  removal  of  public 
evils,  which  are  a  blot  upon  the  fair  face  of 
Christianity,  evils  that  hinder  and  intimidate 
the  churches,  evils  that  corrupt  the  morals 
and  blunt  the  conscience  of  society.  National 
Reform  endeavors  to  stop  the  fountains  that 
pour  down  through  the  land,  carrying  multi- 


NATIONAL    REFORM.  1§1 

tudes  of  victims  into  destruction  ;  broad,  swirl- 
ing, seething  torrents  of  iniquity  in  which 
uncounted  crowds  perish.  It  proposes  to  put 
an  end  to  the  wholesale  dissipation  and  de- 
struction of  soul  and  body.  The  ordinary 
methods  of  evangelists  and  missionaries,  com- 
pared with  the  design  of  national  reformers, 
are  like  snatching  a  few  valuables  out  of  a  burn- 
ing dwelling,  rather  than  putting  out  the  fire 
and  saving  all.  When  this  cause  shall  pre- 
vail, (and  prevail  it  will,)  missionary  effort  will 
move  along  at  high  tide,  and  not,  as  now,  be 
drifted  upon  the  shores  by  adverse  winds. 

Let  others  stand  along  the  streams  of  public 
vice  and  national  sin,  and  drag  out  the  victims 
one  by  one ;  we  will  stand  with  them  and  do 
likewise.  Heaven  forbid  that  even  this  slow 
method  of  salvation  should  have  a  weaker 
heart  or  feebler  hand  in  us  than  in  others. 
Yet  will  we  not  cease  the  effort  to  dry  up  these 
streams,  by  cutting  off  the  head  waters,  streams 
which  by  the  help  of  God  shall  yet  cease  to 
flow. 


-^W/2r4/Z/lns^ 


182  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 


And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days, 
that  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be 
established  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and 
shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills ;  and  all 
nations  shall  flow  unto  it.  And  many  people 
shall  go  and  say,  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to 
the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the 
God  of  Jacob ;  and  he  will  teach  us  of  his 
ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths :  for  out 
of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the 
word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem. — Isaiah 
ii  :  2-3. 

When  Rev.  Thomas  Coke,  L.L.D.,  proposed 
to  go  to  India  at  his  own  expense,  and  there 
establish  Wesleyan  missions,  a  friend  remon- 
strated with  him,  he  being  then  nearly  seventy 
years  old.  The  missionary  replied  :  "  I  am  noAv 
dead  to  Europe,  and  alive  for  India.  God 
himself  has  said  to  me,  '  Go  to  Ceylon  !'  I 
would  rather  be  set  naked  on  its  coast,  and 
without  a  friend,  than  not  to  go." 


GOSPEL    MISSIONS.  183 

Chapter   XVI. 
GOSPEL  MISSIONS. 

The  Covenanters  are  doing  mission  work  in 
Syria,  Asia  Minor,  and  Cyprus;  also  among 
the  Freedmen,  the  Indians,  and  the  Chinese 
in  America.  The  Central  Board,  besides,  cul- 
tivates mission  stations  in  St.  Louis,  Topeka, 
Denver,  Seattle,  and  several  other  places. 

The  Syrian  Mission. 

The  Syrian  Mission  has  Latakiyeh  as  its 
centre.  This  field  includes  three  districts, 
Latakiyeh,  Xusaria,  and  Suadea.  Three  con- 
gregations have  been  organized,  with  an 
aggregate  of  about  two  hundred  members. 
The  present  working  force  consists  of  two  or- 
dained ministers,  one  physician,  three  lady 
teachers,  four  native  licentiates,  a  city  colpor- 
teur, and  a  strong  band  of  instructors.  The 
buildings  are  substantial  and  commodious, 
being  well-fitted  for  day-school,  boarding- 
school,  industrial  school,  Sabbath-school,  and 
for  public  worship.  There  is  a  large  num- 
ber of  Sabbath-schools  in  the  city  and  the  sur- 


184  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

rounding  districts,  in  which  more  than  five 
hundred  children  are  instructed  in  the  faith  of 
Christ. 

The  physician  conducts  a  clinic  department 
in  connection  with  his  practice,  in  which, 
while  he  ministers  to  the  relief  of  the  body,  he 
also  teaches  the  way  of  salvation  through  Jesus 
Christ. 

The  Asia  Minor  Mission. 

The  work  in  Asia  Minor,  although  much 
more  recently  established,  is  also  in  thorough 
order.  This  field  is  made  romantic  by  the 
footprints  of  Paul  and  other  Apostles  of  our 
Lord.  It  was  the  country  of  the  seven  churches 
to  which  Christ  addressed  his  famous  messages 
from  Patmos. 

In  this  Mission  there  are  two  ordained  min- 
isters, (one  of  whom  is  also  a  physician),  and 
three  lady  teachers.  Boarding-schools  and 
day-schools  are  in  successful  operation.  The 
teachers  are  aided  in  their  work  by  intelligent 
and  devoted  natives,  some  of  whom  have  much 
of  the  evangelistic  spirit,  evincing  zeal  in  bring- 
ing others  to  the  Saviour.  The  City  of  Mersine 
is  the  home  of  the  missionaries  and  the  centre 


GOSPEL    MISSIONS.  185 

of  operations.  Several  Sabbath-schools  are 
doing  excellent  work.  New  schools  are  being 
frequently  reported.  Fifty  communicants  are 
registered. 

The  Cyprus  Mission. 

This  new  Mission  shows  Covenanter  enter- 
prise. The  little  Church  of  the  Covenants  is 
pushing  her  work  in  all  directions,  depending 
on  the  resources  that  are  not  seen,  as  well  as 
those  which  are  seen  ;  working  both  by  faith 
and  by  sight,  assured  that  God  is  able  to 
"  make  all  things  work  together  "  for  the  re- 
demption of  souls  and  the  glory  of  his  name. 

The  island  of  Cyprus  contains  about  two 
hundred  thousand  people,  who  mostly  speak 
the  Modern  Greek.  Xo  other  Protestant  mis- 
sion is  on  the  island.  Cyprus  is  under  British 
rule,  which  fact  warrants  the  hope  that  both 
work  and  workers  will  be  protected  from  Turk- 
ish annoyance.  The  missionary  and  his  wife 
are  already  there ;  the  buildings  are  under 
contract :  the  material  is  iron,  to  be  shipped 
from  London.  Every  thing  indicates  a 
quick  and  prosperous  beginning  of  the  Lord's 
work  in  this  historic  isle,  where  the  new  con- 
vert Saul  was  first  called  Paul. 


186  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

The  Chinese  Mission. 

The  Mission  among  the  Chinese  is  estab- 
lished in  Oakland,  California.  It  has  the  ser- 
vices of  one  ordained  minister,  with  such  assist- 
ance in  interpreting  and  teaching  as  he  can 
secure.  A  school  is  doing  good  work,  and  the 
Word  is  regularly  preached  to  an  attentive 
audience.  Some  of  the  hearers  having  come 
from  China  in  search  of  perishable  wealth, 
have  already  returned  to  their  native  land, 
with  hearts  rejoicing  in  the  Divine  Saviour. 
They  have  discovered  that  there  is  a  Celestial 
Kingdom  better  than  their  Celestial  Empire. 
To  their  countrymen  they  tell  the  glad  news  of 
salvation.  About  forty  in  this  field  have  been 
reported  as  embracing  the  Christian  religion. 

The  Southern  Mission. 

The  Southern  Mission  has  its  centre  at 
Selma,  Alabama,  It  includes  also  Pleasant 
Grove  ;  and  until  recently  Brierfield  was  under 
cultivation.  There  is  in  Selma  Mission  a  fine 
church  building  with  a  congregation  number- 
ing about  seventy-five ;  the  Sabbath-school  is 
large.     An  excellent  graded  day-school  is  also 


GOSPEL    MISSIONS.  187 

established  and  well-equipped  for  thorough 
work,  having  a  superintendent  and  six  teach- 
ers. The  whole  course  of  instruction  is  richly 
interspersed  with  religious  truth.  A  broad 
basis  has  thus  been  laid  for  permanent  and 
successful  work. 

The  Indian  Mission. 

The  Indian  Mission  has  been  but  recently 
established.  It  is  located  near  Fort  Sill,  In- 
dian Territory.  It  has  been  intended  chiefly 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Comanche  tribe,  which 
has  been  hitherto  without  the  Gospel.  The 
working  force  consists  of  one  ordained  minis- 
ter, two  lady  teachers,  a  matron,  and  a  farmer 
who  attends  to  the  agricultural  interests  of  the 
mission.  The  United  States  Government  hav- 
ing conveyed  for  mission  purposes  a  tract  01 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  to  the 
Church,  this  is  being  placed  under  cultivation 
for  the  benefit  of  the  mission.  A  stone  build- 
ing, beautiful  and  substantial,  has  been  erected 
and  furnished  for  the  school,  and  is  already 
filled  with  the  red  children  of  the  prairies.  A 
commodious  dwelling  will  soon  be  complete, 
which  will  afford  shelter  and  comfort  to  the 
devoted  pioneers  of  this  mission. 


188  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

This  brief  review  of  the  mission  work  under 
the  care  of  the  Covenanter  Church  gives  only 
an  imperfect  conception  of  what  she  is  doing 
along  this  line  of  duty.  Compared  with  other 
larger  churches,  the  showing  may  be  no  dis- 
credit ;  but  when  we  think  of  our  ability,  and 
privilege,  and  opportunity,  we  have  nothing 
whereof  to  boast,  but  much  cause  to  be  hum- 
ble. We  might  be  doing  more.  May  God 
lead  along  these  lines  of  service,  and  into  new 
fields,  making  every  effort  successful  for  his 
glory,  and  the  redemption  of  souls. 

We  live  when  everybody  is  our  neighbor. 
The  world  has  become  one  community.  The 
unenlightened  parts  are  all  accessible.  The 
missionaries  of  the  various  churches  are  mov- 
ing forward.  Nothing  hinders.  The  highway 
of  the  King  is  prepared.  The  kingdoms  no 
more  resist;  the  gates  of  the  cities  are  opened. 
May  the  "  bannered  host "  move  onward  as  the 
Commander  gives  orders !  And  in  the  great 
work  may  this  church  not  be  behind  ! 

On  one  occasion  God  said,  "  Speak  unto  the 
children  of  Israel  that  they  go  forward  !  "  What 
motion,  what  magnetism,  what  enthusiasm,  that 
command  sent  through  all  the  camp  of  Israel ! 
How  firm  the  step,  how  strong  the  heart,  how 


GOSPEL    MISSIONS. 


189 


radiant  the  face  of  each,  as  they  obeyed  !  God 
says  now  to  his  ministers,  "  Speak  to  the  people 
that  they  go  forward  !  "  His  voice  comes  to  us 
from  the  hills  of  Syria,  and  echoes  from  the 
rocks  of  the  Pacific,  and  rolls,  as  thunder,  along 
the  plains  of  the  South  and  the  West.  And  as 
it  comes  in  the  fulness  of  divine  majesty,  how 
it  should  stir  this  little  tribe  in  Israel !  How 
it  should  awaken  every  family,  and  every  per- 
son, and  start  them  forward  with  zeal  and 
strength  in  mission  work  ! 


190  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth  :  but  if  the  salt 
have  lost  his  savor,  wherewith  shall  it  be 
salted?  It  is  thenceforth  good  for  nothing, 
but  to  be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden  under 
foot  of  men. — Matthew  v  :  13. 

And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  also  into  the 
vineyard,  and  whatsoever  is  right  I  will  give 
you.  And  they  went  their  way.  Again  he 
went  out  about  the  sixth  and  ninth  hour,  and 
did  likewise.  And  about  the  eleventh  hour 
he  went  out,  and  found  others  standing  idle, 
and  saith  unto  them,  Why  stand  ye  here  all 
the  day  idle? — Matthew  xx  :  4-6. 

The  voice  of  our  ministry  should  be  heard 
outside  of  our  pulpits. 

Congregations,  where  there  are  ability  and 
opportunity,  ought  to  employ  public  lay  work- 
ers, men  and  women,  in  missionary  labor. 

The  whole  membership  of  the  Church  ought 
to  work.  Too  long  the  burden  of  work  has 
been  rolled  on  the  shoulders  of  the  ministry,  and 
the  few  who  are  willing  to  spend  and  to  be 
spent  for  Christ. — Reformed  Presbyterian 
Synod. 


EVANGELISTIC    WORK.  191 

Chapter  XVII. 
EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 

The  importance  of  evangelistic  work  cannot 
be  too  highly  estimated.  Evangelizing  the 
vicinity  around  the  church  is  a  service  to  God 
and  humanity  which  brings  rich  recompen^.-. 
Labor  in  any  lawful  calling  is  noble:  in  this, 
it  is  divine.  This  is  the  field  where  Christ 
hires  all  laborers  who  will  come,  and  He 
hires  at  all  hours  of  the  day. 

The  Covenanter  Church  cannot  lay  claim  to 
prominence  in  this  department  of  Christian 
effort.  Evidently  evangelistic  work  has  not 
been  her  chosen  field.  Remissness  here  may 
be  justly  confessed.  \Vhile  she  has  endeavored 
to  meet  the  claims  of  the  Gospel  in  other  quar- 
ters, she  has  been  deficient  in  this  direction. 
She  has  wrought  in  the  home  vineyard :  she 
has  occupied  mission  territory  :  she  has  labored 
in  national  reform ;  she  has  bestowed  atten- 
tion and  treasure  upon  education :  but  the 
evangelization  of  the  parts  of  the  world  that 
are  under  her  shadow  has  been  neglected. 
Neglected  ?  Xot  altogether,  but  to  an  alarm- 
ing extent.  This  thing  we  "  ought  to  have 
done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  undone." 


192  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

The  Church,  however,  is  waking  up  to  a 
sense  of  duty.  Synod  has  taken  action.  Pres- 
byteries have  been  stirred.  Congregations 
have  felt  a  glow  of  new  life  in  the  very  act  of 
putting  forth  the  first  effort.  Societies  of  young 
people  have  been  formed,  whose  committees 
reach  the  community  with  Gospel  instructions 
and  services  of  love.  The  Holy  Spirit  has 
manifestly  breathed  an  infusion  of  new  life 
and  power  into  the  Church,  to  qualify  her  for 
the  work  of  evangelizing. 

If  the  Covenanter  Church  would  be  like 
the  Primitive  Church,  or  like  the  Reformation 
Church,  she  must  not  only  hold  Gospel  princi- 
ples, but  press  them  upon  society.  She  must 
not  only  possess  grace,  but  be  profuse  in  the 
use  of  it.  The  Church  is  "  an  army  with  ban- 
ners," not  intended  to  lie  in  intrenchments 
around  the  arsenal,  but  to  move  forward  to 
liberate  souls  from  the  bondage  of  sin.  She  is 
more  than  the  lily  of  the  valley  to  shed  soft 
perfume  where  she  grows;  she  has  alabaster 
jars  to  break  in  the  houses  of  the  lepers,  to 
make  the  places  of  sin  fragrant  with  Christ's 
consolations.  She  has  more  to  do  than  heal 
the  withered  hands  of  those  who  come  into 
the  house  of  worship ;  she  has  business  in  the 


EVANGELISTIC    WORK.  193 

wild  places  of  the  robbers,  rescuing  the  fallen, 
and  pouring  oil  on  their  wounds.  Happy  is  the 
church  that  comprehends  and  honors  her 
great  mission  in  the  world. 

Evangelistic  work !  What  is  it,  but  the 
Church  obeying  the  command,  "  Arise,  shine  ; 
for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  is  risen  upon  thee !"  What  is  it,  but 
shaking  off  the  dust  of  sloth,  and  putting  on 
the  "  beautiful  garments  "  of  salvation  !  What 
is  it,  but  putting  on  the  Lord  Jesus,  entering 
into  his  work,  into  his  Spirit,  into  himself,  and 
appearing  before  the  world  in  his  noble  char- 
acter ! 

Synod  has  seen  the  necessity  of  this  work, 
and  urges  it  upon  the  people.  Foreign  popu- 
lation is  crowding  around  us;  our  cities  are 
thronged  with  the  unenlightened  ;  our  country 
is  penetrated  by  the  same  classes.  The  natural 
crop,  also,  of  atheism,  infidelity,  immorality, 
and  all  kinds  of  vice,  is  growing  in  our  native 
soil;  and  if  the  good  seed  be  not  choked  to 
death,  Christians  must  work,  every  church  must 
work,  and  each  member  in  his  place  must  be 
active.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  protect  "  our  sons 
as  plants,  and  our  daughters  as  corner-stones, 
polished    after    the   similitude    of    a  palace." 


194  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

Duty  takes  a  wider  range,  and  so  must  the 
service,  if  the  Church  even  retains  her  present 
size,  and  holds  the  ground  she  now  occupies. 

Synod  urges  the  work  with  vehemence,  in- 
sisting that  "  true;Christianity  demands  it.  The 
natural  impulses  of  the  new  heart  prompt  it. 
Love  to  God  and  man,  which  is  of  the  essence 
of  true  religion,  requires  it.  If  we  have  not 
that  spirit,  it  is  because  we  lack  in  some  of  the 
elements  of  Christian  life.  How  can  we  be 
Christians  and  not  be  evangelistic  ?  How  can 
our  Church,  with  all  its  love  for  Christ,  with 
all  its  zeal  for  his  glory,  with  all  its  loyalty  to 
his  claims,  with  all  its  noble  legacy  of  divine 
truth,  be  else  than  evangelistic?  If  we  be 
a  strong,  happy,  successful  Church,  we  must  be 
a  working  Church.  '  Better  be  a  little  brook 
than  a  stagnant  pool.'  " 

A  Synodical  committee  has  been  appointed 
annually  for  a  number  of  years  to  collect  facts, 
to  indicate  methods  and  means,  and  to  stimu- 
late the  entire  membership,  if  by  the  grace  of 
God  we  may  become  a  Church  of  evangelists. 
Opportunities  for  work  in  this  field  arise  on  all 
sides.  Some  congregations  may  be  established 
on  the  borders  of  Beulah  land,  where  none  of 
the   unevangelized   tread;  but  they   are   few. 


EVANGELISTIC    WORK.  195 

Where  is  the  pastor  who  may  not  lift  up  his 
eyes,  and  behold  the  field  ripe  and  ready  to 
harvest  at  his  very  door  ;  and  the  field  is  con- 
tinually widening. 

The  reward  is  in  the  work.  The  labor  itself 
is  payment.  The  work  contains  two  blessings, 
one  for  the  evangelist,  the  other  for  the  evan- 
gelized :  the  greater  for  the  former,  the  lesser 
for  the  latter.  "  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive,''  even  when  the  gift  is  salvation. 
There  is  joy  in  the  work:  there  is  new  life  in 
it :  there  is  growing  power  in  it ;  there  is  ele- 
vation of  soul  in  it :  there  is  nobleness  of  char- 
acter in  it :  there  is  a  glorious  transformation 
of  the  worker  in  it.  They  who  are  employed 
in  this  service  discover  that  they  have  found 
the  mission  of  life.  "  The  Christian  who 
gladly  gives  his  shoulder  to  this  burden,  finds 
his  burden  carrying  him,  and  he  mounts  up  with 
wings  as  eagles,  he  shall  run  and  not  be  weary, 
he  shall  walk  and  not  faint.  "'  They  that  turn 
many  to  righteousness,  shall  shine  as  the  stars 
for  ever  and  ever.'  "  May  the  Holy  Spirit  give 
us  a  Pentecost,  sending  fulness  of  spiritual  life 
throbbing  through  all  our  members,  families, 
congregations,  sessions,  presbyteries,  and  synod, 
that  the  work  of  Christ  among  the  heathen  at 
our  door  may  be  done. 


196  THE     COVENANTERS    AND    , 

But  this  I  say,  He  which  soweth  sparingly 
shall  reap  also  sparingly  ;  and  he  which  soweth 
bountifully  shall  reap  also  bountifully.  Every 
man  according  as  he  purposeth  in  his  heart, 
so  let  him  give ;  not  grudgingly,  or  of  neces- 
sity :  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver.  And 
God  is  able  to  make  all  grace  abound  toward 
you  ;  that  ye,  always  having  all  sufficiency  in 
all  things,  may  abound  to  every  good  work. — 
II  Corinthians,  ix  :  6-8. 

The  Church  needs  to-day  an  awakening  and 
a  revival  on  the  subject  of  systematic,  con- 
scientious, spiritual  and  worshipful  giving.  It 
must  understand  that  giving  is  the  law  of  the 
fountain-life.  What  is  grace  but  giving  ? 
God's  grace — God's  gifts !  God's  grace  in  us — 
the  giving  of  ourselves,  the  giving  of  our 
powers,  the  giving  of  our  all  to  humanity — 
Rev.  J.  H.  Vincent,  D.D. 

"  Give,  give,  be  always  giving, — 
Who  gives  not  is  not  living  ; 
The  more  you  give, 
The  more  you  live.'' 


SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE.  197 

Chapter  XVIII. 
SYSTEMATIC  BENEFICENCE. 

The  Church  ought  to  have  system  in  her 
work.  Method  is  beautiful  everywhere.  Suc- 
cess depends  largely  on  good  methods  and 
their  judicious  application ;  especially  is  this 
true  concerning  the  financial  interests  of  the 
Church. 

God  enjoins  on  his  people  the  duty  of  sys- 
tematic beneficence.  He  is  "  not  the  author  of 
confusion,"  but  has  commanded  that  "  all 
things  be  done  decently  and  in  order." 

The  Church  is  sustained  by  the  voluntary 
contributions  of  her  members,  each  person 
using  discretionary  power,  as  to  the  amount 
given,  the  manner  of  giving,  and  the  object  of 
the  gift.  The  Church  herself  exists  by  the 
free  grace  of  God ;  her  spiritual  dowry  is  the 
free  gift  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  her  pecuni- 
ary support  is  also  free — the  freewill  offering  of 
her  members.  Men,  however,  have  taken 
unjust  advantage  of  this  freewill  right,  adopt- 
ing many  standards  of  duty  and  methods  of 
action,  in  sustaining  the  Church :  but  the  true 
standard  is  of  God. 


198  THE     COVENANTEES     AND 

Free  beneficence  is  the  only  tree  whose  fruit 
can  properly  support  the  Church.  Beneficence 
is  a  grace  full  of  tender  life.  It  cannot  exist 
under  the  hand  of  compulsion  ;  it  withers  under 
the  breath  of  extortion ;  even  too  much  per- 
suasion hurts  it,  Beneficence  is  a  handmaid 
of  Christ,  supplying  all  the  temporal  wants  of 
the  Church,  acting  not  from  external  con- 
straint, but  prompted  only  by  the  love  of  Jesus. 
Great  is  the  personal  liberty  divinely  granted 
unto  all,  in  their  support  of  the  Church.  Yet 
God  has  given  a  rule  for  this  service,  and 
instructions  concerning  it ;  and  only  by  com- 
plying with  the  rule  and  observing  the  instruc- 
tions can  beneficence  appear  in  its  divine 
beauty  and  bear  its  choice  fruit,  Only  by 
adopting  the  Scriptural  method  can  the  Church 
have  system  in  her  finances,  and  success  in 
largest  measure. 

Beneficence  as  a  virtue  is  beautiful  and 
bounteous  only  when  it  grows  according  to  the 
divine  type.  One  tree  is  formed  into  a  stately 
palm,  by  its  own  peculiar  principle  of  life 
operating  within  it.  This  specific  life  princi- 
ple impresses  itself  upon  trunk,  branch  and 
leaf,  making  the  tree  a  palm  tree.  Another 
kind  of  life  makes  the  oak,  or  the  beach,  or  the 


SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE.  199 

thorn  ;  each  according  to  the  vital  principle 
that  works  within  it.  Accordingly,  the  benefi- 
cence that  grows  by  the  operation  of  the 
Scriptural  principle  in  the  heart,  is  of  a  divine 
type,  has  its  peculiar  beauty,  and  yields  its  own 
fruit.  That  which  grows  by  nature,  by  cus- 
tom, or  by  impulse  is  of  an  inferior  type. 

The  Covenanter  Church  recognizes  the  im- 
portance of  systematic  beneficence,  and  of  the 
Scriptural  system.  A  synodical  committee 
prepares  annually  a  paper  concerning  this  ser- 
vice, for  the  instruction  of  all  the  Church. 
This  method  of  education  has  continued  dur- 
ing the  last  decade.  The  results  are  already 
beneficent.  The  contributions  have  increased. 
The  Covenanters  are  recognized  among  the 
most  liberal  supporters  of  religion.  Their 
beneficence  amounts  annually  to  almost  $20.00 
per  member. 

Synod  urges  the  pecuniary  support  of  relig- 
ion as  a  service  of  divine  worship.  The  contribu- 
tions of  the  people  are  "  wealth  brought  to  the 
Lord  in  an  act  of  worship."  "  Three  elements 
of  acceptable  giving  are  divinely  fixed  :  giv- 
ing in  worship,  giving  the  best,  and  giving  it 
first."  "  But  our  idea  of  Christian  beneficence 
is  not  complete  nor  accurate,  unless  we  have 


200  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

learned  to  regard  it  as  an  act  of  divine  wor- 
ship." "  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto 
his  name  ;  bring  an  offering,  and  come  into  his 
courts."  The  service  of  giving  is  exalted  into 
the  sphere  of  holy  duties,  and  classified  with 
prayer,  praise  and  the  sacraments,  affecting 
man's  spiritual  life,  and  God's  visible  glory. 
Abel  worshipped  the  Lord  sacrificing  his 
lambs  ;  Noah  offering  his  "  clean  fowl ; "  the 
widow  presenting  her  "  two  mites  ;  "  Barnabas 
in  the  gift  of  his  "  money ; "  likewise,  the 
Christian  with  his  "  stipend  "  and  "  collection." 
In  deciding  what  shall  be  given,  and  to  what 
purpose  it  shall  be  applied,  the  soul  should  be 
lifted  up  in  praise  and  prayer,  while  God's  will, 
presence,  approval,  and  blessing  are  reverently 
considered. 

Synod  teaches  tin.  duty  of  tithing.  More  than 
a  quarter  of  a  century  ago,  this  highest  court 
of  the  Covenanters  affirmed  that  "  Neither 
example  nor  precept  can  be  found  in  the  Word 
of  God  for  a  less  proportion  than  the  tenth  of 
all  the  increase."  The  same  truth  has  been 
frequently  repeated  by  the  same  authority. 
Recently  the  former  deliverances  have  been 
re-affirmed,  emphasizing  "the  binding  obliga- 
tions upon  the  Lord's  people,  to  pay  the  tithes 


SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE.  201 

and  free-will  offerings  into  his  treasury."  Xo 
right  of  God,  or  duty  of  man  is  more  clearly 
established  in  the  Scriptures  than  this  princi- 
ple and  practice  of  tithing. 

The  tithe,  what  a  golden  rule  !  How  Christ- 
like !  What  product  of  divine  wisdom  !  How 
graciously  adapted  to  the  variations  of  society  ! 
"While  unchanging  in  its  proportion,  the  meas- 
ure may  change  to  any  degree.  Generously 
and  kindly  the  amount  rises  and  falls  with  all 
the  fluctuations  of  man's  ability.  Paul  en- 
dorses this  system  and  beautifully  sets  it  forth 
in  chosen  words: — "As  the  Lord  hath  pros- 
pered." This  rule  is  held  forth  as  the  divine 
standard  of  beneficence.  It  measures  the 
Christian's  duty :  and  while  he  acts,  duty 
changes  into  privilege  ;  and  ere  he  is  aware, 
the  privilege  transforms  into  a  blessing. 

Synod  admonishes  all  to  give  with  pure 
motives  and  witting  hearts.  '"'The  words  '  for 
Christ's  sake '  contain  the  true  principle  of 
Christian  liberality.*'  "  Every  dollar  that 
comes  into  the  treasury  of  the  Church  should 
come  from  a  heart  devoted  to  Christ,  and  will- 
ing to  spend  and  to  be  spent  for  him."  True 
beneficence  grows  in  the  heart  and  in  no  other 
soil.     Gifts  to  the  Church,  if  not  from  a  will- 


202  THE     COVENANTEES     AND 

ing  heart,  are  merely  a  device  to  ease  con- 
science, or  a  disguise  to  conceal  defects.  Hearti- 
ness is  the  sweet  savor  which  pleases  God  in 
all  religious  services.  Without  the  sweet  savor 
the  offering  is  unpleasant.  Without  it  neither 
the  mites  nor  the  millions  are  acceptable. 
Contributions  to  the  Church,  defiled  by  grudge, 
given  by  force  of  custom,  or  bestowed  as  an 
advertisement,  come  not  into  the  hand  of  God, 
neither  should  they  be  touched  by  the  Church. 
The  unhallowed  offering  pollutes  the  altar.  All 
that  is  offered  for  the  support  of  religion  must 
be  holy  unto  the  Lord,  and  prompted  by  a 
loving  heart.  "  The  Lord  loveth  a  cheerful 
giver." 

Synod  encourages  the  envelope  plan  of  weekly 
offerings,  and  urges  its  adoption  by  all  congre- 
gations. "  The  weekly  offering  is  undoubtedly 
the  best  method,  for  worshiping  the  Lord  with 
this  grace,  as  it  is  easiest  for  most  Christian  wor- 
shipers, gives  a  prompt  and  ready  supply 
for  church  need,  and  has  apostolic  and 
divine  sanction.  It  suits  all  classes,  in 
the  country  and  in  the  city ;  for  money  may 
be  tithed  and  given  when  received,  or  tithed 
and  laid  by  to  be  given  Sabbath  by  Sabbath, 
or  given  in  any  proportion  which  the  grace  of 


SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE.  203 

Christ  prompts."  If  giving  be  an  act  of  wor- 
ship, if  it  be  appointed  for  the  Sabbath,  if  it 
honors  God  and  secures  a  blessing,  why  not 
divide  the  annual  amount  into  weekly  parts, 
with  which  to  come  often  before  God  ?  If  the 
support  of  the  Church  be  regarded  as  a  bur- 
den, the  burden  is  made  light  by  weekly  offer- 
ings. If  it  be  thought  a  pleasure,  the  pleasure 
is  intensified  by  weekly  offerings.  But  Scrip- 
ture lifts  this  method  above  every  shadow  of 
doubt  with  clearest  words : — "  Upon  the  first 
day  of  the  week,  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by 
him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him." 

Synod  exhorts  church  officers  to  be  har- 
monious, and  zealous  in  their  efforts  to  put  in 
successful  operation  the  Scriptural  plan  of  finan- 
ces. "  Ministers  should  give  systematic  benefi- 
cence a  prominent  place  in  their  ministrations 
and  pastoral  exhortations.  Elders  and  dea- 
cons should  be  diligent  in  instructing  and 
encouraging  the  people  to  the  performance  of 
this  duty."  Example  is  more  powerful  than 
precept.  Practice  enforces  preaching.  When 
the  leaders  lead,  the  people  will  follow.  No- 
where in  all  the  sphere  of  Christian  effort  exists 
more  need  of  earnest,  self-denying  leaders,  than 
in  the  noble  work  of  beneficence. 


204  THE    COVENANTERS     AND 

Synod  pleads  for  our  young  people,  that  they 
be  trained  in  systematic  giving.     "  This  sub- 
ject should  form  an  important  part  in  the  edu- 
cation of  the  youth  of  the  Church,  so  that  they 
may  grow  up  in  the  habit  of  giving  freely  for 
the  advancement  of  God's  kingdom,  and  ever 
feel  that  this  is  a  privilege  as  well  as  a  duty." 
"  The  youth  of  the  Church  should  be  carefully 
trained,  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  receive  any 
money  for  themselves,  in  the  practical  exercise 
of  systematic  beneficence."     The  children  have 
rights ;  and  one  is,  the  right  of  education  in 
Christian    stewardship,   and    responsibility   to 
God  for  the  use  of  money.     Without  this,  their 
education  is  morally  and  spiritually  defective. 
As  we  love  those  who  are  rising  up  to  do  their 
work  when  ours  is  done,  to  fill  the  Church  when 
we  are  gone,  to  use  their  gold  when  we  need 
none,  let  us  train  them  in  the  high-born  virtue 
of  benevolence,  in  the   Christlike   practice   of 
giving,  in  the  Scriptural  method  of  honoring 
God  with  their  income.     Their  influence,  hap- 
piness, prosperity  and   power    are   most  inti- 
mately connected  with  systematic  beneficence. 
The  generous  support  of  religion  brings  its 
reward.     It  is  clearly  asserted   in    the  Word, 
that    liberality   yields    heavy    profits    to   the 


SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE.  205 

liberal.      The  best    investments  on  earth  are 
those  given  to  the  cause  of  Christ.     They  are 
secure  ;   the  interest  is  large :  the  payment  is 
sure.     "  He  which  soweth  bountifully  shall  reap 
also  bountifully.''     "  Give,  and  it  shall  be  given 
unto  you."     "  The  liberal  soul  shall  be  made 
fat."     "  He  that  watereth  shall  be  watered  also 
himself."     "  There  is  that   scattereth,  and  yet 
increaseth."     "He   that   hath  pity   upon   the 
poor  lendeth  unto  the  Lord,  and  that  which  he 
hath  given  will  lie  pay  him  again."       "  He 
that  hath   a  bountiful  eye   shall  be  blessed." 
"  The  liberal  deviseth  liberal   things,  and  by 
liberal  things  shall  he  stand."     The  doctrine  of 
beneficence  is   embossed  with    wealth  for  the 
beneficent.      The  duty  is  decorated  with  rich 
rewards.     The  command  is  imbedded  in  gold  ; 
the  obedience  is  overshadowed  with  promises 
that  bend  and  burst  with  fulness  of  blessings 
for  the  cheerful  giver.     God's  demands  upon 
our  means  are  the  highways  cast  up  by  mercy. 
over  which   He  freights   both   temporal   and 
spiritual  blessings  into  our  homes. 

Do  we  rejoice  in  the  opportunities  of  benefi- 
cence as  being  Christ's  gateway  to  blessings  ? 
Do  we  regard  them  as  encouragements  to  lead 
us  into  the  performance  of  pleasant  duties  and 


206  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

the  enjoyment  of  faithful  promises?  Do  we 
esteem  them  as  inducements  stimulating  to 
greater  industry,  economy,  discretion,  and  lib- 
eralty  ?  Do  we  prize  them  as  privileges  which 
unite  us  with  God  in  the  great  work  of  the 
world's  redemption  ?  Do  we  mould  them  into 
the  ornaments  that  adorn  both  our  own  lives 
and  the  Church  of  Christ?  Then,  will  we 
have  pleasure  in  obeying  the  rule  which 
guided  the  people  of  God  in  their  religious 
contributions,  in  the  days  of  the  patriarchs,  the 
prophets,   and  the   apostles;  which   rule   is — 

A  PROPORTION  FOR  GOD,  NOT  LESS  THAN  THE 
TENTH. 

' '  There  are  deep  things  of  God  :  push  out  from  shore  ! 
Hast  thou  found  much  ?  Give  thanks  and  seek  for  more. 

Dost  fear  the  generous  Giver  to  offend  ? 

Then  think  his  store  and  bounty  know  no  end . 
He  needeth  not  to  be  implored,  nor  teased  ; 
The  more  we  take,  the  better  he  is  pleased. 

"  Nor  is  it  alms,  dispensed  in  high  disdain  ; 
He  loseth  nothing  :  'tis  his  only  gain 

To  make  thee  rich.     What  can  he  do  but  give  ? 

Since  there's  not  one  from  whom  He  may  receive. 
He  parts  with  nothing.     What's  bestowed  on  thee, 
Immortal  child  !  stays  in  the  family. 


SYSTEMATIC     BENEFICENCE.  207 

What  service  can  we  render  Thee,  kind  Heaven  ! 

But  freely  take  what  is  so  freely  given  ? 

Thy  best  of  gifts  is  wit  to  keep  the  cup, 
Wherein  Thou  pourest  blessings,  right-side-up. 

Dwell  Thou  within  us,  Lord  of  Charity  ! 

And  we,  from  Thee,  shall  endless  givers  be." 


208  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

That  our  sons  may  be  as  plants  grown  up  in 
their  youth  ; 

That  our  daughters  may  be  as  corner-stones, 
polished  after  the  similitude  of  a  palace. — 
Psalm  cxliv  :  12. 

And  I  will  give  you  pastors  according  to 
mine  heart,  which  shall  feed  you  with  knowl- 
edge and  understanding. — Jeremiah  hi  :  15. 

We  hold  the  education  of  children  as  a  most 
imperative  obligation  resting  upon  parents, 
even  the  higher  education  where  capacity, 
ability  and  opportunity  exist;  and  remind 
Covenanters  of  this  College,  so  well  equipped 
and  successfully  operated,  where  the  talent  of 
our  youth  can  be  developed  under  the  influ- 
ence of  Reformation  principles. 

We  urge  all  our  people  to  special  prayer,  (on 
behalf  of  the  Theological  Seminary,)  for  the 
professors  and  students,  for  the  outpouring  of 
the  Spirit  in  a  special  baptism  of  consecration 
(upon  them)  as  workers  and  witnesses  for 
Christ ;  and  to  special  prayer  for  an  increase 
of  the  ministry  in  view  of  the  greater  impend- 
ing needs  of  the  future. — Reformed  Presby- 
terian Synod. 


THEIR    EDUCATIONAL    INSTITUTIONS.        209 

Chapter  XIX. 

EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS. 

Geneva  College. 

The  College  of  the  Covenanters  is  situated  in 
the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Beaver  River,  in 
Western  Pennsylvania,  and  is  one  of  the  struc- 
tures that  adorn  the  thrifty  city  of  Beaver 
Falls. 

The  College  stands  upon  one  of  nature's  de- 
lightful elevations,  and  is  surrounded  with 
charming  scenery.  The  winding  river  with  its 
picturesque  banks,  the  magnificent  hills — 
almost  mountains,  the  sombre  woodland,  the 
cultivated  districts,  the  spreading  city  with  its 
modern  improvements — rustic  nature  and 
active  art,  vying  here  with  each  other  in 
their  contributions  of  beauty  and  attractive- 
ness, give  Geneva  the  appearance  of  a  pearl 
set  in  a  coronet. 

The  building  is  of  large  and  attractive  pro- 
portions, constructed  of  stone,  beautifully  and 
artistically  wrought.  It  impresses  the  observer 
as  having  been  erected  both  for  the  present 
time  and  for  future  generations,  combining 
strength,  elegance  and  commodiousness.  The 
grounds  are  extensive  and  beautiful. 


210  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

'The  building  cost  about  $40,000.00.  A  pleas- 
ant dormitory  has  also  been  erected  upon  the 
grounds,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $8,000.00 ;  and  a 
gymnasium  at  an  expense  of  about  $1,000.00. 
The  endowment  fund  at  the  present  time  is 
8106,284.00.  This  College,  projected  and  con- 
structed upon  a  magnanimous  plan,  through 
the  self-sacrifice  of  its  founders  and  promoters, 
with  the  princely  gifts  that  reared  and  endowed 
it,  is  the  evidence  of  the  interest  which  Cove- 
nanters have  in  the  work  of  education,  and  the 
assurance  that  they  purpose  to  uphold  and 
advance  the  principles  of  the  Christian  reli- 
gion by  an  educated  posterity.  It  is  also  the 
expression  of  their  unwavering  belief,  that  the 
great  Reformation  truths  embodied  in  the 
motto  "  pro  christo  et  patria,"  shall  prevail. 

The  Institution  is  under  excellent  manage- 
ment, giving  great  satisfaction.  A  gifted  presi- 
dent and  a  large  and  efficient  faculty  are  dili- 
gently concentrating  their  abilities  upon  the 
classes  that  gather  within  these  h  alls.  From  year 
to  year  a  promising  band  of  scholarly  young 
men  and  women  go  forth  into  the  world  as  shin- 
ing lights,  with  the  benediction  of  their  Alma 
Mater  resting  upon  them. 

Geneva  College,  having  been  planted  with 


THEIR    EDUCATIONAL    INSTITUTIONS.        211 

prayer,  established  upon  the  foundation  of 
Revealed  truth,  and  furnished  with  professors 
of  fine  scholarship  and  God-fearing  spirit,  is 
surrounded  by  a  pure  moral  and  religious 
atmosphere.  Hence,  an  earnest  voice  comes 
from  Geneva  !  A  voice  unto  all  the  Covenanted 
Church,  a<  well  as  to  the  local  community  !  A 
voice  unto  those  who  love  the  cause  of  moral 
reformation  which  must  move  forward  on  the 
wheels  of  enlightenment  and  liberal  educa- 
tion !  A  voice  unto  all  who  have  an  affec- 
tionate interest  in  their  children,  and,  accord- 
ing to  ability,  would  have  their  minds  ex- 
panded with  a  college  curriculum,  brilliant 
with  classic  education,  elevated  with  moral 
instruction  and  Christian  influence  !  And  the 
voice  saith,  "  Wisdom  is  the  principal  thing ; 
therefore  get  wisdom ;  and  with  all  thy  getting 
get  understanding.  Exalt  her,  and  she  shall 
promote  thee ;  she  shall  bring  thee  to  honor, 
when  thou  dost  embrace  her.  She  shall  give 
to  thine  head  an  ornament  of  grace ;  a  crown 
of  glory  shall  she  deliver  to  thee." 

The  Theological  Seminary. 

The    Reformed    Presbyterian    Seminary   is 
located  in  the  city  of  Allegheny,  Pa.,  on  North 


212  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

Avenue,  between  Federal  and  Arch  Streets, 
fronting  the  beautiful  Park.  The  edifice  is 
large  and  valuable,  its  cost,  including  improve- 
ments, being  about  $30,000.00.  The  property 
is  clear  of  debt  and  is  in  good  condition.  This 
building  stands  as  the  Memorial  of  the  solemn 
act  of  Covenanting,  by  this  Church  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  1871. 

The  Recitation  Hall  is  quite  large,  being 
also  neatly  and  comfortably  furnished,  afford- 
ing every  facility  for  the  intended  work.  On 
the  walls  hang  elegantly-framed  portraits  of 
former  professors.  These  pictures  have  been 
presented  by  friends  of  the  Seminary,  as 
memorials  of  those  who  have  faithfully  served 
the  Lord  and  his  Church,  and  having  finished 
their  course,  are  gone  to  receive  their  reward. 

The  Library  adjoins  the  recitation  hall.  It 
is  pleasantly  arranged  for  comfort  and  profit 
to  all  who  come  hither  in  search  of  knowledge. 
The  library  is  rich  in  valuable  volumes,  yet 
many  more  might  be  added  with  advantage  to 
the  students.  The  diligent  student  finds  oppor- 
tunity in  the  library  to  equip  himself  as  a 
Christian  scholar,  that  he  may  go  forth  into 
the  presence  of  the  world,  richly  furnished 
with  knowledge  transmitted  from  distant  ages, 


THEIR    EDUCATIONAL    INSTITUTIONS.        213 

and  communicated  by  many  theological  in- 
structors. 

The  Church  employs  two  professors  who 
give  their  full  time  to  the  Seminary  :  and.  dur- 
ing late  years,  the  services  of  an  Emeritus 
professor  have  heen  added.  The  number  of 
students  ranges  from  fifteen  upwards,  the 
enrollment  last  year  (1891)  having  been 
twenty-four.  To  the  Seminary  the  Church 
must  look  for  her  ministry.  If,  therefore,  she 
would  have  a  ministry  permeated  with  the 
truth,  furnished  with  knowledge,  filled  with 
the  Spirit,  eloquent  in  the  Gospel,  strong  for 
the  right,  polished  as  shafts  in  the  hand  of  the 
Lord,  girded  to  run  before  the  chariot  of  the 
King,  self-sacrificing  in  the  effort  to  save  souls, 
and  luminous  with  the  indwelling  of  God,  let 
prayer  be  offered  for  the  Seminary  ;  let  God  be 
earnestly  and  continuously  entreated  on  behalf 
of  professors  and  students. 

The  endowment  of  the  Seminary  at  the 
present  time  amounts  to  .S49.903.imi. 


214  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

Jerusalem,  that  art  build ed 

As  a  city  that  is  compact  together  : 

Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  eveu  the  tribes  of  the  Lord, 

For  a  testimony  unto  Israel, 

To  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

For  there  are  set  thrones  for  j  adgment, 

The  thrones  of  the  house  of  David. 

Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  : 

They  shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 

Peace  be  within  thy  walls, 

And  prosperity  within  thy  palaces. 

Psalm  cxxii  :  3-7.     E.  V. 

The  general  fate  of  Sects  is  to  obtain  a  high 
reputation  for  sanctity  while  they  are  oppressed, 
and  to  lose  it  as  soon  as  they  become  power- 
ful ;  and  the  reason  is  obvious.  It  is  seldom 
that  a  man  enrolls  himself  in  a  proscribed 
body  from  any  but  conscientious  motives. 
Such  a  body,  therefore,  is  composed,  with 
scarcely  an  exception,  of  sincere  persons.  The 
most  rigid  discipline,  that  can  be  enforced 
within  a  religious  society,  is  a  very  feeble 
instrument  of  purification,  when  compared  with 
a  little  sharp  persecution  without, — Macaulay. 


THEIR    ORGANIZED    STRENGTH.  215 

Chapter  XX. 

THE  ORGANIZED   STRENGTH  OF   THE 
COVENANTERS. 

The  Covenanters  are  not  strong  numerically, 
but  they  are  thoroughly  organized.  Their  sys- 
tem of  organization  begins  with  the  family. 
Each  family  is  a  little  church,  in  which  parents 
and  children  join  together  in  divine  worship. 
The  Psalms  are  sung,  the  Scriptures  are  read, 
and  prayer  is  offered,  daily  in  the  presence  of 
God.  Family  worship  is  one  of  the  essentials 
in  a  Covenanter's  home. 

Again,  the  families  are  joined  together  in 
societies  and  congregations.  When  far  scattered 
and  not  able  to  sustain  a  pastor  in  one  place, 
they  group  together,  and  form  "  branches."  A 
number  of  branches,  organizing  under  a 
session,  secure  the  services  of  a  minister.  AVhen 
without  a  pastor,  they  assemble  in  the  prayer- 
meeting  and  in  the  Sabbath-school  to  worship 
the  Lord.  They  adhere  tenaciously  to  their 
accepted  form  of  service.  Even  when  deprived 
of  pastoral  care,  congregations  continue  to  live 
and  grow,  by  resorting  to  the  social  ordinan- 
ces. They  do  this  rather  than  dissolve  and 
merge  into  other  churches.     One  congregation 


216  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

in  the  State  of  New  York,  has  survived  nearly 
sixty  years,  with  only  one  brief  pastorate  dur- 
ing that  time. 

The  congregations  are  organized  with  elders 
to  exercise  spiritual  supervision,  and  deacons 
to  take  care  of  the  financial  interests,  and  to 
relieve  the  destitute.  In  some  cases  trustees 
serve  instead  of  deacons.  The  members  of 
the  congregation  are  organized  into  different 
societies,  for  service  in  the  Church  and  in  the 
world.  The  Sabbath-school,  with  its  superin- 
tendent, officers,  teachers  and  classes,  is  an 
essential  feature  of  nearly  every  congregation. 
It  constitutes  a  perfect  organism,  with  life, 
growth  and  fruit.  Also  the  Ladies'  Missionary 
Society  is  in  almost  every  church,  doing  work 
for  Christ,  following  him  with  gifts,  and 
prayers,  and  influence,  like  those  women  who 
kept  close  to  his  footsteps  when  he  walked  the 
earth.  The  Young  Peoples'  Society  of  Chris- 
tian Endeavor  is  fast  placing  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  our  beloved  Zion  in  rank  and 
under  discipline,  for  the  Master's  service. 
These,  with  mission  bands,  circles  of  King's 
Daughters,  and  King's  Sons,  and  other  associa- 
tions, give  the  Church  the  appearance  of  wheels 
within  a  wheel,  all   moving  in  harmony,  as  if 


THEIR    ORGANIZED    STRENGTH.  217 

guided   by  one   power,  as  doubtless  they  are 
moved  by  the  one  Great  Spirit. 

The  congregations  of  one  section  of  the 
country  are  organized  into  a  presbytery  ;  and 
the  presbyteries  of  North  America  form  the 
Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  Synod,  at  its  annual  meetings,  receives 
reports  from  every  congregation,  mission  sta- 
tion, and  field  of  labor,  and  accordingly  deliv- 
ers its  message  in  turn,  giving  direction  for 
future  work.  The  whole  Church  is  thereby 
apprised  of  the  condition  of  each  part,  and  the 
prosperity  and  strength  of  the  entire  organiza- 
tion. 

The  latest  statistics  (1891)  do  not  accurately 
represent  the  present  strength  of  the  Covenan- 
ter Church.  During  the  past  year  changes 
have  occurred  affecting  both  her  ministry  and 
membership.  About  one-eighth  of  the  minis- 
ters have  withdrawn  from  her  communion, 
weary  of  the  present  method  of  applying 
political  dissent,  making  it  a  term  of  church 
fellowship.  The  members  are  evidently  better 
established  in  their  faith,  manifesting  stronger 
conviction,  and  firmer  grasp  of  the  truth, 
according  as  this  Church  holds  it.  Therefore, 
they  have  suffered  less  in  the  loss  of  numbers. 


218  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

From  best  information  received  concerning  the 
communicants,  not  more  than  half  the  above 
proportion  have  departed.  In  accordance  with 
this  estimate,  the  last  statistics  have  been 
modified,  and  the  following  .figures  have  been 
obtained : — 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod  includes — 

Presbyteries    11. 

Congregations .    .......  126. 

Ministers , 108. 

Elders 470. 

Deacons 325. 

Communicants 10,600. 

S.  S.  Attendance 12,300. 

The   contributions   from  all  sources   (1891) 
are  as  follows : — 

Foreign  Mission $  26,151.00 

Home  Mission 6,559.00 

Southern  Mission   3,962.00 

Chinese  Mission 2,037.00 

Theological  Seminary 12,657.00 

Indian  Mission 4,521.00 

Sustentation 2,596.00 

Church  Erection 13,624.00 

Salary  of  Pastors   76,777.00 

National  Pveform 4,520.00 

Miscellaneous 63,003.00 

Total $216,4071)0 


THEIR    ORGANIZED    STRENGTH. 


219 


This  credits  each  member  of  the  Church 
with  an  average  of  S3. 83  for  missions,  86.81  for 
salary,  and  819.19  for  all  purposes.  The  inves- 
ted funds  of  Synod  aggregate  82-14,043.00,  and 
are  distributed  as  follows  : — 


Geneva  College  Endowment. 

Theological  Seminary  " 

Foreign  Mission  " 

Domestic  Mission  " 

Student's  Fund  " 

Aged  Minister's  Fund  " 

Southern  Mission  " 

Church  Extension  " 

Additional  u 


810(3.284.00 

49,963,00 

29,762.00 

25,204.00 

14,666.00 

6,700.00 

3,708.00 

3,400.00 

4,356.00 


The  Covenanter  Church  is  sufficiently  organ- 
ized for  good  work.  With  her  congregations, 
Sabbath-schools,  societies,  institutions,  and 
endowments,  she  ought  to  accomplish  much 
for  her  Lord.  But  organization  is  not  every- 
thing. Efficiency  depends  upon  power  as  well 
as  organization.  Have  we  power?  A  fac- 
tory may  be  filled  with  machinery,  and  every 
part  perfect,  and  in  its  place ;  but  without 
fire  and  steam  nothing  will  be  accomplished. 

What  is  needed  in  the  church  organization 
is  fire  to  make  steam  ;  the  fire  of   heavenly 


220  THE     COVENANTERS     AND 

zeal,  kindled  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  flaming  up  in 
the  hearts  and  through  the  lives  of  the  mem- 
bership, producing  power  to  operate  the 
machinery  with  ease  and  success.  0  for  a 
"  baptism  of  fire  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost !  "  0 
for  the  heat  that  melts  cold  calculation  into 
enthusiasm  ! 

There  is  much  still  for  the  Covenanter 
Church  to  do.  Every  part  of  the  organization 
should  be  worked  up  to  its  highest  capacity. 
The  demand  is  great.  The  edification  of  the 
members,  the  training  of  the  children,  the 
education  of  the  youth,  the  evangelization  of 
those  without  God  and  without  hope,  the 
instruction  of  the  nation  in  righteousness,  the 
enlargement  of  work  in  the  mission  fields — 
such  are  the  demands  made  upon  the  Cove- 
nanted Church.  How  great  the  need  of  power 
to  make  every  part  of  the  organization  effec- 
tive and  the  whole  alive  with  energy,  activity 
and  success !  Will  not  all  our  people  send  up 
unceasing  prayer,  till  the  Holy  Spirit  come, 
and  endue  us  with  power  ? 

Will  not  we  all  turn  our  faces  heavenward, 
and  continue  in  supplication,  till  the  divine 
power  come  upon  us,  unifying  the  Church,  con- 
secrating her  members,  and  bringing  all  her 


THEIR    ORGANIZED    STRENGTH 


221 


forces  into  operation?  Then  shall  the  Cove- 
nanted work  of  the  Lord  take  a  new  start  in 
the  world;  the  revived  cause  of  Reformation, 
unfolding  its  principles,  bestowing  its  blessings, 
and  redeeming  the  world,  shall  move  on,  win- 
ning friends  and  advocates. 


222  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 


Therefore,  leaving  the  principles  of  the  doe- 
trine  of  Christ,  let  us  go  on  unto  perfection ; 
not  laying  again  the  foundation  of  repentance 
from  dead  works,  and  of  faith  toward  God,  of 
the  doctrine  of  baptisms,  and  of  laying  on  of 
hands,  and  of  resurrection  of  the  dead,  and  of 
eternal  judgment.  And  this  will  we  do,  if  God 
permit. — Hebrews  vi  :  1-2. 

He  leads  us  on 

By  paths  we  did  not  know, 
Upward  he  leads  us,  though  our  steps  be  slow. 
Though  oft  we  faint  and  falter  on  the  way, 
Though  storms  and  darkness  oft  obscure  the  day, 
Yet  when  the  clouds  are  gone 
We  know  he  leads  us  on. 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY.  223 

Chapter  XXI. 
THE  CALL  OF  DUTY. 

The  Church,  by  following  the  Divine  Leader 
will  move  forward,  and  only  forward.  Jesus  is 
the  King  who  goes  forth  in  his  providence 
"  conquering  and  to  conquer."  He  leads  for- 
ward, and  in  no  other  direction.  He  never 
orders  a  retreat  from  moral  grounds,  nor  favors 
the  surrender  of  religious  attainments,  nor 
advises  the  abandonment  of  any  Christian 
enterprise. 

Onward,  though  the  Red  Sea  rolls  its  waves 
upon  the  beach  under  the  shades  of  evening ! 
Onward,  though  the  "  great  and  terrible  wil- 
derness "  stretches  out  in  front !  Onward, 
though  the  land  of  promise  lies  beyond  the 
sea,  the  desert  and  the  Jordan !  Onward, 
though  the  host  suffers  by  the  way  from  thirst, 
hunger,  cold  and  heat;  from  pain,  fatigue, 
temptation  and  disappointment ;  from  the  as- 
saults of  enemies  and  the  infliction  of  chastise- 
ments !  God  leads  his  people  forever  onward  ; 
and  He  has  said, — "  If  any  man  turn  back, 
my  soul  shall  have  no  pleasure  in  him." 

The  Covenanters  have  written  in  their  Testi- 


224  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

mony  : — "  Tlie  Church  may  not  recede."  The 
Church  may  become  weak  numerically,  but 
morally  she  ought  never  to  weaken.  She  may 
be  decimated  by  persecution,  but  ought  never 
to  be  intimidated  in  her  faith.  She  may  be 
driven  into  the  wilderness  of  obscurity,  but 
ought  not  to  suffer  herself  to  be  driven  from 
the  position  of  truth  and  righteousness. 

A  course  of  defection  is  reprehensible  at  any 
time,  but  never  more  so  than  in  the  present 
day.  If  the  Church  was  not  permitted  to  relax 
her  hold  upon  the  truth,  nor  to  modify  her  doc- 
trines to  make  them  acceptable,  nor  to  relin- 
quish her  advanced  attainments  to  avoid  trial 
and  suffering  ;  if  she  could  not  do  this  when 
the  Roman  fires  were  burning  the  Christian 
martyrs,  nor  when  the  rivers  of  France  were 
crimsoned  with  Protestant  blood,  nor  when  the 
valleys  of  the  Alps  were  laid  waste  by  the 
destroyers  of  liberty  and  religion,  nor  when 
Scotland  gave  her  thousands  of  witnesses  to  die 
for  the  truth  ;  then,  how  can  the  Church  be  jus- 
tifiable in  receding  and  retreating,  Avhen  the 
world  is  at  peace  with  her,  and  every  man  can 
worship  God  "under  his  own  vine  and  fig- 
tree  ?  " 

God  in  his  providence  has  removed  the  ter- 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY.  225 

rors  and  stupendous  obstacles  that  formerly 
made  it  difficult  for  the  Church  both  to  retain 
her  faith  and  to  do  her  work.  Morever,  He  pre- 
sents additional  inducements  to  continue  faith- 
ful until  she  shall  finish  her  testimony  and 
evangelize  the  world.  The  dangers  arising 
from  relapse,  the  unknown  termination  of  the 
path  of  defection,  the  disgrace  of  abandoning 
the  hard-fought  fields  of  truth,  the  loss  of  what 
the  Church  gained  and  retained  through  great 
tribulations,  the  guilt  of  sacrificing  Jesus  anew 
in  the  midst  of  his  enemies — such  are  the  con- 
siderations offered  to  stimulate  the  Church  to 
fidelity  and  activity. 

Also,  the  assurance  of  a  glorious  future  for 
our  world,  a  millennium  in  which  every  right 
cause  will  triumph,  is  a  strong  argument  for 
stability  on  the  part  of  the  Church,  and  for 
conscientiousness  in  applying  the  truths  of  the 
Word.  The  prophets  of  God  have  unfolded 
the  future;  they  have  given  a  view  of  the 
whole  world  enjoying  pure  religion,  obeying 
God,  and  subject  to  Jesus  Christ.  The  "  thou- 
sand years  "  are  coming  ;  they  will  be  here  after 
a  season — a  short  season  in  all  probability. 
Then  will  the  Christian  religion  be  universal, 
and  of  the  purest,  strongest  and  most  Christ- 


226  THE    COVENANTEES    AND 

like  type.  And  as  the  dawn  of  that  day  seems 
already  to  be  lighting  up  the  mountain  tops  of 
earth,  wherefore  should  the  Church  recede  from 
her  elevated  grounds,  from  her  advanced  posi- 
tion of  doctrine  and  reform?  Rather  let  her 
move  forward ;  let  the  great  truths  be  pushed 
to  the  front ;  yea,  let  the  neglected  truth  of 
Christ's  sovereignty  be  more  forcibly  expressed 
in  her  testimony,  more  fearlessly  heralded  from 
her  pulpits,  more  extensively  published  by  her 
press,  and  more  righteously  applied  to  her  peo- 
ple. The  inhabitants  of  earth  will  see  the  ban- 
ner of  truth,  only  when  it  is  unfurled  on  high 
grounds. 

During  the  battle  of  Lookout  Mountain,  a 
detachment  of  the  Union  army  fought  their 
way  to  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  and,  from 
that  elevation,  waved  the  flag  in  view  of  their 
comrades  who  were  fighting  in  the  valley.  The 
soldiers  below,  seeing  it,  raised  cheer  after  cheer 
and  hurried  forward,  driving  all  before  them, 
taking  possession  of  the  entire  field.  The  ban- 
ner of  Christ,  the  banner  of  his  royal  truths, 
the  truths  that  will  glorify  him  as  the  world's 
King,  and  exalt  the  nations  into  covenant  rela- 
tion with  him,  let  that  banner  wave  from  the 
highest   places  of  the   Church's  attainments; 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY. 


99/ 


let  it  be  lifted  into  view  by  those  who  have 
ascended  the  heights  through  the  fire  of  the 
enemy:  let  it  wave  till  the  great  armies  that 
are  struggling  in  the  plain,  and  under  the 
smoke  and  mists  below,  shall  see,  and  shout, 
and  charge,  and  defeat  all  who  oppose  them  ; 
and  rallying  on  the  summit,  shall  be  one  united 
army.  Every  church  should  have  her  own  brave 
battalion  on  the  summit,  and  the  flag  flying 
above  the  clouds  :  but  the  Covenanter  Church, 
because  of  her  Covenants,  her  history  and 
her  testimony,  is  expected,  as  an  entire  church, 
to  occupy  her  most  advanced  position,  from 
which  her  ensign  may  wave  in  the  sight  of  all" 
people.  When  the  churches  take  to  the  heights, 
the  people  will  gather  around  their  standards. 
"  All  nations  shall  flow  unto  the  house  of  the 
Lord,"  not  when  it  is  in  the  valley,  not  when  it 
is  on  the  plain,  not  when  it  is  upon  the  table- 
lands, but  when  it  "  shall  be  established  in  the 
top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted 
above  the  hills." 

The  times  in  which  we  live  are  fraught  with 
ominous  and  important  events.  Indications  of 
providence  on  all  sides  point  the  churches 
onward.  They  are  quite  able  to  move  for- 
ward   both    in     completing    their    testimony 


228  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

and  iii  doing  their  work.  They  are  gifted  with 
abilities  and  facilities  as  never  before.  They 
are  organized  for  progressive  measures  on  the 
largest  scale.  They  have  liberty,  and  power, 
and  wealth,  and  influence.  They  have  the  use 
of  the  press,  of  the  institutions  of  education, 
of  the  advantages  of  steam  and  electricity, 
and  of  the  marvelous  developments  of  civili- 
zation that  crowd  upon  the  threshold  of  the 
twentieth  century.  Will  not  the  Covenanter 
Church  realize  the  importance  of  the  situation 
and  move  forward  ? 

Dangers  point  the  churches  onward.  They 
are  all  yielding  to  the  seductions,  and  suf- 
fering from  the  encroachments  of  the  world. 
The  "friendship  of  the  world  "  is  both  deceitful 
and  powerful ;  deceitful,  promising  large  reve- 
nues and  strong  membership  on  condition  that 
the  Church  modify  doctrine  and  relax  disci- 
pline ;  powerful,  moulding  the  Church,  sup- 
pressing her  testimony,  reducing  the  standard 
of  Christian  character,  obliterating  moral  dis- 
tinctions between  professors  and  non-professors, 
leading  her  into  compromise  with  evil,  alluring 
her  into  the  violation  of  vows  of  fidelity,  and 
sullying  her  fair  name  and  royal  relation  as 
the  Bride  of  the  King  of  Heaven.     Will  not  the 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY.  229 

Covenanter  Church  continue  to  move  onward, 
unharmed  and  unhindered  by  the  world's  faith- 
Less  friendship? 

The  present  is  a  time  of  unrest  among  the 
churches.  They  are  agitated  and  perplexed. 
Questions  arise  for  discussion  :  creeds  come  for- 
ward for  revision :  doctrines  long-settled  are 
again  unsettled :  and  the  spirit  of  inquiry 
brooks  not  control  even  by  the  Word  of  Inspira- 
tion. Clouds  of  doubt  are  again  overspreading 
those  parts  of  the  ecclesiastical  heavens,  where 
the  stars  have  been  shining  with  undimmed 
brilliancy  for  centuries.  The  inerrancy  of  the 
Scriptures,  the  divine  right  of  one  form  of 
church  government,  the  sovereignty  of  God  in 
man's  salvation — such  are  the  fundamental 
truths  brought  forward  again  for  settlement  in 
the  Church  that  reveres  the  names  of  Augus- 
tine, Calvin,  and  Knox.  The  firm,  unyield- 
ing, well-defined  doctrines  of  the  Holy  Bible, 
are  again  awaiting  the  furnace  which  is  fast 
being  heated.  Will  they  come  forth  purer 
and  more  agreeable  to  the  mind  of  God,  or  will 
they  be  moulded  according  to  man's  device,  to 
please  the  carnal  heart?  All  must  admit  that 
the  movement  is  toward  laxity,'  liberalism, 
latitudinarianism ;  that  it  is  prompted  by  un- 


230  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

easiness  under  church  creeds  and  a  desire  to 
find  relief.  When  the  strong  cables  are  cut, 
whither  will  the  churches  drift  ?  May  not  the 
storms  and  currents  be  too  strong  for  their 
power  of  self-control?  Amidst  such  agita- 
tions and  dangers  will  not  the  Covenanter 
Church  retain  her  faith  and  move  forward  ? 

The  enemies  of  the  Christian  religion  are 
aggressive.  Though  the  world  is  at  peace  with 
the  Church  and  shows  friendship,  yet  the  peace 
is  not  an  indication  of  good-will,  nor  is  the 
friendship  to  be  trusted.  The  apostle  says, 
"  The  friendship  of  the  world  is  enmity  with 
God."  The  world  opposes  divine  religion  ;  the 
unconverted  hate  the  light,  the  truth,  the 
Church,  the  Christ.  The  worst  classes  are 
organized  to  withstand  the  Christian  religion 
at  all  points ;  to  break  down  the  laws  of  the 
Sabbath,  to  dishonor  the  sanctity  of  home,  to 
cast  the  Bible  out  of  the  schools,  to  obliterate 
the  statutes  of  Christian  morality,  to  protect 
the  trade  of  the  saloon,  to  awaken  the  spirit 
and  extend  the  work  of  Socialism,  and  to  give 
our  nation,  and  the  world  into  the  power  of 
those  whose  only  law  is  non-restraint,  and 
whose  only  interest  is  self-pleasure.  In  the 
presence  of  such  forces,  will  not  the  Covenanted 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY.  231 

Church,  girded  with  the  armor  of  light,  move 
forward  ? 

Another  indication  pointing  the  churches 
onward  is  the  warlike  condition  of  the  great 
powers  of  earth.  The  nations  of  the  world  are 
preparing  for  the  decisive  war.  ';  Europe  has 
become  a  military  camp."  The  wisest  states- 
men are  maneuvering  carefully  and  skillfully 
to  prevent  the  least  friction,  lest  the  conflict  be 
precipitated.  The  crowned  heads  shudder  at 
the  responsibility  of  beginning  the  struggle. 
The  leaders  stand  in  awe  in  view  of  the  con- 
sequences. The  results  must  inevitably  shake 
every  throne  on  the  continent,  and  change  the 
entire  map  of  Europe.  The  military  despo- 
tisms will,  doubtless,  go  down  in  the  terrible 
crash.  Kings  and  emperors  are  crying  "  Peace, 
Peace,"  to  each  other.  Influential  societies 
continue  to  press  their  humane  method  of  set- 
tling inter-national  strife.  The  system  of 
arbitration  still  obtains  place  in  the  council  of 
the  nations.  Yet  the  great  and  dreadful  car- 
nage is  coming,  for  "  the  mouth  of  the  Lord 
hath  spoken  it."  These  kingdoms  have  long 
been  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  the  saints; 
the  Governments  have  long  oppressed  the  peo- 
ple and  crushed  the  helpless ;  they  have  long 


232  THE     COVENANTERS    AND 

dominated  by  brute-force — symbolized  in  pro- 
phecy by  the  "  beasts,"  acknowledging  respon- 
sibility neither  to  the  multitudes  in  subjection, 
nor  to  the  God  of  Heaven.  The  great,  accumu- 
lated and  immeasurable  crimes  must  find 
atonement  in  blood.  "  And  the  winepress  was 
trodden  without  the  city,  and  blood  came  out 
of  the  winepress,  even  unto  the  horses'  bridles, 
by  the  space  of  a  thousand  and  six  hundred 
furlongs."  Wherefore,  while  God  is  evidently 
about  to  dash  the  potsherds  of  the  earth  against 
each  other,  to  relieve  mankind  of  despotism 
and  oppression,  and  remove  hindrances  out  of 
the  way  of  the  Gospel;  while  the  voice  of  the 
angel  is  evidently  soon  to  be  heard  across 
the  world,  saying,  "  Thrust  in  the  sharp  sickle, 
and  gather  the  clusters  of  the  vine  of  the  earth, 
for  her  grapes  are  fully  ripe,"  will  not  the 
Covenanter  Church  move  forward  ? 

The  armies  of  the  Lord  are  also  assembling 
on  their  "  white  horses,"  to  follow  the  many- 
crowned  King  as  He  goes  forth  to  assert  his 
great  authority  and  reign.  The  intelligent, 
the  faithful,  the  fearless  of  all  churches  are 
gathering,  and  enrolling,  and  preparing  for 
the  crisis,  which  they  believe  to  be  already 
upon  the  world.     They  are  organized  for  ser- 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY.  233 

vice  in  Sabbath  Reform,  Temperance  Reform, 
Social  Reform,  National  Reform,  Church  Re- 
form ;  and  taking  position  on  Scriptural 
grounds,  resolve  to  follow  their  glorious  Leader, 
till  the  cause  prevail.  While  the  Captain  is 
calling  his  veterans  forth  from  all  parts  of  his 
Church,  and  leading  them  under  his  banner  to 
conquer  with  "  the  weapons  that  are  not  car- 
nal, but  spiritual,"  will  not  the  Covenanters  in 
one  solid  band  keep  moving  forward  ? 

Every  indication  points  the  Reformed 
Churches  onward.  The  voice  of  history,  the 
events  of  providence,  the  interpretation  of 
prophecy,  all  urge  them  to  make  greater  attain- 
ments. The  drifting  of  the  sects,  the  war-like 
spirit  of  the  nations,  the  aims  and  arrogance  of 
irreligion ;  also  the  organizing  of  Reform 
forces,  the  progress  of  Missionary  work,  and 
the  high  development  of  Christian  civilization  ; 
besides,  famine,  pestilence,  and  earthquakes,  in 
various  parts ; — the  fulfilment  of  prophecy, 
indicating  the  approach  of  the  eventful  times 
that  precede  and  introduce  the  last  era — such 
are  the  arguments  wherewith  the  Church  is 
urged  forward  in  the  application  of  her  testi- 
mony, and  the  performance  of  her  work. 

Never  in  the  history  of  the  Covenanters,  were 


234  THE    COVENANTERS    AND 

the  truths  that  are  peculiar  to  them  so  important. 
Never  was  there  such  a  loud  call  for  their  pub- 
lication and  application.  Society  is  enlight- 
ened, active  and  ripe  for  their  reception.  The 
world  is  being  fast  prepared  for  the  winnowed 
seed  of  truth. 

Never  before  was  there  such  a  call  to  believe, 
maintain,  and  teach  the  sublime  and  beautiful 
truths  that  will  give  the  world  her  last  Reforma- 
tion. God's  voice  is  on  the  waters.  It  grows 
louder  and  louder,  as  if  to  arouse  by  its  thun- 
ders, those  who  are  growing  weary  and 
faint-hearted.  In  pleading  tones,  louder  and 
still  more  mandatory,  we  hear  the  voice  of  our 
royal  Standard  Bearer,  calling  us  forward. 
Voices  from  before,  voices  from  behind,  voices 
from  on  high,  all  blend  with  his  call  to  faith- 
fulness and  loving  service. 

An  astromomer,  who  had  been  chosen  to 
guide  an  army  in  a  long  march  under  the 
shadows  of  night,  was  often  told  that  he  was 
leading  in  the  wrong  direction.  He  constantly 
affirmed  that  he  was  right,  being  guided  by  a 
Avell-known  star.  At  length  the  forces  reached 
the  enemy's  fort,  and  made  a  successful  assault. 
After  gaining  possession,  they  began  to  inquire 
for  the  guide.     He  was   found  wounded  and 


THE    CALL    OF    DUTY.  235 

dying.  But  raising  his  head,  and  gazing  into 
the  officer's  face,  he  said,  "  Did  I  not  lead  in 
the  right  way?" 

The  Covenanter  Church  is  endeavoring  to  do 
her  part  in  the  Christianization  of  the  world. 
She  leads  forward  with  her  eye  fixed  upon  the 
bright  star— the  sparkling  truth  of  Christ's 
dominion.  His  scepter  is  her  guide  through  the 
darkness  of  the  way.  Many  voices  urge  that 
she  is  wrong:  multitudes  oppose  her;  they 
doubt  and  turn  away.  Like  great  armies 
they  are  following  diverging  lines.  But  she 
moves  forward,  keeping  in  view  the  one 
unchanging  star.  May  God  give  strength  and 
patience  and  wisdom  to  continue  till  the  vic- 
tory be  won,  and  "  the  kingdoms  of  this  world 
are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his 
Christ."  When  the  conflict  is  ended,  it  will  be 
acknowledged  that  the  guide,  who  followed 
the  star,  was  right. 


NATIONAL 


[mm*    fltisfen    fenwrattce   jjmotu 

Sabbath  ©hssruancs  ®ept 

LEAFLET  NO.  103 

"Jesus'    Day." 


ALICE   M.    GUERNSEY. 


when  Sunday  begins 


"  I  can't  stop,  Belle  ; 
it's  fouroclock,  and  I  must 
go  home  to  begin  Sunday." 
"To  'begin  Sunday?' 
What  under  the  sun  do  you 
mean  ?" 

Florrie  laughed. 
"  Why,  that's  what  we  say 
about  Saturday  night  at 
home.  Mamma  says  we 
must  begin  Sunday  on  Sat- 
urday night  if  we  want  to 
get  the  most  good  out  of 
it." 

"Well,  I'd  like  to 
know  how  you  get  any 
good  out  of  Sunday.  I'm 
always  glad  when  it's 
over." 

"Why,   Belle,"    I  don't 

see  how  you  can  think  so. 

It's   the  very  dearest    day 

in  the  week  at  our  house." 

"  What     do     you     do 

asked  Belle,  curiously. 


"  The  very  first  thing  is  to  take  our  baths  and 
put  on  our  clean  clothes." 

"  I  always  do  that  Sunday  morning." 

"  Oh,  it's  so  much  nicer  to  do  it  Saturday  after- 
noon. It  makes  you  feel  ready  for  Sunday.  Then 
Mamma  puts  her  sewing  away  by  supper-time,  and 
we  all  have  a  nice  evening  together." 

"  What  do  you  do  ?" 

••We  sing,  for  one  thing.  If  there's  special  Sun- 
day School  music  to  be  learned,  we  practice  that- 
Then  we  put  the  '  finishing  touches,'  as  Rob  says,  on 
our  Sunday  School  lessons,  and  sometimes  Papa 
reads  a  nice  story  while  the  rest  of  us  listen,  and  do 
embroidery,  or  whatever  we  like.  Mamma  has  just 
one  rule  for  it.  She  says,  '  The  old  Jews  used  to  have 
the  preparation  for  the  passover,  and  we  need  the 
preparation  for  the  Sabbath.'  So  she  never  lets  any 
real  work  come  into  that  time." 

•'  Suppose  she  was  making  a  dress  for  you  and 
you  wanted  to  wear  it  the  next  day.  Wouldn't  she 
finish  it  ?" 

"  Mamma  doesn't  let  things  come  so,"  answered 
Florrie,  "  and  I'm  sure  she  wouldn't  think  that  be- 
cause I  wanted  to  wear  it  was  a  good  reason  for 
working  hard  and  late  on  Saturday  night.  She'd 
say,  'We  must  rest  Saturday  evening,  in  order  to  en- 
joy Sunday.'  " 

"  What  time  do  you  go  to  bed  ?" 

"  Oh,  the  same  as  usual." 

"  Then  I  suppose  you  get  up  very  early  Sunday 
morning.  Dear  me,  I  like  to  lie  abed  Sunday  morn- 
ing. It's  awful  hard  work  to  get  ready  for  Sunday 
School  at  ten  o'clock." 

"That's  where  beginning  Saturday  evening 
makes  it  all  right,"  said  Florrie.  "  We  wake  up  at 
the  usual  time  Sunday  morning,  but  we  have  break- 
fast an  hour  later.     It's  so  nice  to  lie   abed  quietly 


and  think  of  the  good  day  we're  going  to  have.  It's 
the  very  best  '  Quiet  Hour'  of  the  whole  week. 
Sometimes,  in  the  summer,  Rob  and  I  get  up  early 
and  take  our  books  out  into  the  garden,  and  have  a 
beautiful  time  to  read  before  breakfast." 

"  Do  you  study  your  Sunday  School  lesson 
then  ?" 

"  Oh,  no  ;  we  finish  that  Saturday  night." 

•'  When  do  you  begin  it  ?" 

"  Sunday  afternoon.  In  the  morning  we  go  to 
church  and  Sunday  School.  Then,  after  dinner, 
Mamma  rests  a  little  while,  and  then  we  all  gather 
*  round  the  dining-room  table  for  the  lesson    study." 

"  Your  father  and  all  ?" 

"  Yes,  indeed.  We  couldn't  spare  Papa.  We 
have  books  and  pictures,  and  Holy  Land  flowers 
and  curiosities,  and  Papa  tells  us  about  things,  be- 
cause he's  been  to  Palestine,  you  know,  and  it's  per- 
fectly delightful." 

"  Don't  you  ever  go  out  to  ride  or  to  walk  Sun- 
day afternoon  ?" 

"  Yes,  when  we  need  to  do  something  for  some- 
body that  can't  be  done"  any  other  day.  But  we  don't 
need  to  take  Sunday  to  enjoy  outdoors  for  ourselves, 
you  know,  because  we  have  time  enough  for  that 
week-days.  Mamma  always  says,  when  we  ask  about 
anything  of  that  sort,  *  What  do  you  think  the  Lord 
Jesus  would  do?'  Baby  Lou  has  heard  her  say  it  so 
often  that  she  calls  Sunday, '  Jesus'  Day.'  " 

"  I  can  think  of  lots  of  things  that  folks  do  Sun- 
days that  I  don't  believe  Jesus  would  do,"  said  Belle 
thoughtfully.  "  If  Jesus  was  a  boy  on  the  earth  now, 
I  don't  believe  he'd  go  bicycling  on  Sunday,  nor 
carry  newspapers,  nor  buy  soda  water,  nor  write 
stories  for  Sunday  papers,  to  say  nothing  of  playing 
base  ball  as   the  boys   do   down   on    Fourth  street 


But  when  do  you  finish  Sunday  if  you  begin  it  Sat- 
urday night  ?" 

"  Well,  there's  the  Endeavor  meeting  and  the 
evening  service,  you  know.  When  we  can't  go  to 
those,  we  spend  Sunday  evening  reading  and  singing 
and  playing  Sunday  games." 

"  Why,  Florrie,  I  supposed  you'd  think  it  was 
wicked  to  play  games  Sunday," 

"  Didn't  I  tell  you  about  our  games  ?  We  have 
the  very  nicest  times  playing  them.  Some  are  like 
*  Authors,'  only  they're  about  the  books  of  the  Bible. 
Then  we  hunt  for  answers  to  questions  from  the 
Bible  or  about  the  Bible.  Sometimes  we  '  go  explor- 
ing,' as  Roy  calls  it.  Last  Sunday  we  hunted  up  all 
we  could  find  about  the  children  whom  Jesus  knew. 
I  didn't  think  there  were  such  a  lot  of  them  till  we 
began  to  hunt." 

"  Who  tells  you  how  to  do  these  things  ?" 

"  Oh,  Mamma,  or  else  Papa,  plans  them  all.  We 
wouldn't  have  had  the  gcod  times  we  do  Sundays  if 
they  didn't  help  us.  Say,  Belle,  why  can't  you  go 
home  with  me  next  Saturday  afternoon,  and  stay 
over  Sunday  ?     Then  you'll  understand." 

Belle  had  such  a  happy  time  on  the  Sunday  spent 
with  Florrie,  that  she  carried  the  news  of  it  to  her 
own  home.  And  soon  there  were  two  homes  instead 
of  one  that  kept  "  Jesus'  Day." 

15  cents  per  100.  Address  Mrs.V.  F.  Cox,Tabor,  N.J. 


